ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City Council advanced several recovery measures Tuesday as the city continues rebuilding from the damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene, approving funding, infrastructure projects and new community recovery boards.
Council members unanimously approved a series of Helene-related agenda items focused on water system repairs, disaster recovery grants and community development.
Water system repairs and resilience
The council authorized an emergency contract with Schnabel Engineering South for Phase One repairs at the Bee Tree Dam and related structures damaged by the storm.
“This contract outlines a three-phase engineering plan to repair the Bee Tree Dam, maintain resilience and ensure continued community protection,” Interim Water Resources Director Bill Hart said in a news release.
The city also approved submitting a grant application to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency for funding water system resilience improvements.
“The city continues to pursue all avenues of funding when it comes to our Helene recovery,” Helene Recovery Coordinator Bridget Herring said in the release. “Applying for state funding opportunities, like this grant, can potentially provide financial flexibility when it comes to addressing our community’s recovery needs and resilience post-Helene.”
Recovery funds and emergency response
Council accepted a $50,000 Helene Disaster Recovery Grant from the N.C. Department of Insurance’s Office of State Fire Marshal. The funds will go toward swift-water rescue equipment for the Asheville Fire Department.
“We’re grateful to the Office of State Fire Marshal and the N.C. Department of Insurance for their support,” Asheville Fire Chief Mike Cayse said in the news release.
Housing and economic recovery
During a public hearing, the council unanimously approved amendments to the city’s Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Annual Action Plan. The changes raise the maximum grant amount for the state’s homeowner reconstruction program and lower the minimum award threshold for housing and economic support services.
“By increasing the maximum grant amount for home reconstruction, we’re ensuring that Asheville residents can get the full benefit of this program and get their storm-damaged home rebuilt and that the home can withstand future weather events,” Community Development Division Manager James Shelton said in the news release.
Residents are encouraged to comment on the CDBG-DR amendments through the city’s engagement hub by Nov. 9.
Noise ordinance pilot program
In other business, the council narrowly approved a second reading of a noise ordinance amendment in a 4-3 vote. The change increases the allowable number of Level 3 sound exceedance event days from 30 to 50 through Dec. 31, 2026, as part of a pilot program.
“The city has been collaborating with business owners on ideas to stimulate our local economy post-Helene,” Assistant City Manager Ben Woody said in the release. “This pilot program affords us one year to determine if this action meets that need.”
Helene recovery boards
Council also appointed members to four Helene Recovery Boards — Economy, Housing, Infrastructure and People & Environment — to help guide ongoing recovery priorities.
“Recovery is a shared effort, and these boards ensure that community voices are at the center of our decisions,” Woody said. “We’re grateful to these members for stepping forward to help guide Asheville’s path toward a stronger, more resilient future.”
