Raleigh –– Rep. John Bell (R-Wayne) was appointed by Speaker Destin Hall as co-chair of the “Select Committee on Hurricane Helene Recovery” to address the ongoing needs of communities affected by the storm.

“I am grateful to have been appointed as co-chair of this critically important committee tasked with overseeing the response to Hurricane Helene,” said Rep. Bell. “I look forward to helping lead this effort to ensure western North Carolina gets the help and resources they need and deserve.”

The bipartisan committee will focus on assessing recovery efforts, identifying gaps in resources, and ensuring state and federal assistance is delivered efficiently to those in need.

Members of the committee will work closely with local leaders, emergency management officials, and nonprofit organizations to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.

“Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation across North Carolina, and it’s our duty to ensure impacted communities have the resources they need to rebuild stronger than before,” said House Speaker Hall. “We are fully committed to Western North Carolina and will see this recovery through to the very end, and this committee will play a vital role in providing the oversight and leadership needed to ensure a strong and lasting recovery.”

Rep. Dudley Greene was also named a co-chair of the committee. Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, Rep. Mike Clampitt, Rep. Karl Gillespie, Rep. Jake Johnson, Rep. Ray Pickett, and Rep. Mark Pless have been appointed Vice Chairs.

The Select Committee on Hurricane Helene Recovery will commence its work immediately, providing regular updates and recommendations to the General Assembly, with an appropriations bill expected to follow shortly.