NORTH CAROLINA -- Governor Roy Cooper signed a bill into law that sets aside $800 million for Hurricane Florence relief.

• The governor's office has estimated that Florence caused about $13 billion in damage
• Lawmakers say they will assess how this initial funding is being used and will look to add the relief in about six weeks
• First step in what will be an ongoing effort to make sure that money gets to the people who are in need

Legislators said this is a first step in what will be an ongoing effort to make sure that money gets to the people who are in need after the massive storm.

The governor's office has estimated that Florence caused about $13 billion in damage.

In a statement, Governor Cooper said, "I appreciate legislators responding quickly and taking this initial step to help North Carolinians recover from this devastating storm, particularly in the areas of education and the federal match. However, we must continue to work together to provide more for affordable housing and farmers as well as to make real investments to ensure clean water and to lessen the impacts of future storms on our homes, roads, businesses and water infrastructure."

Lawmakers say they will assess how this initial funding is being used and will look to add the relief in about six weeks.