RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina officials charged with leading recovery efforts in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene — as well as parts of eastern North Carolina still struggling from previous hurricanes — told state lawmakers this week that they need more money. And they need it soon.

A legislative oversight committee heard from Gov. Josh Stein's administration about its work on rebuilding. House Speaker Destin Hall says the committee's work will lead to new legislation and state funding.