Rebuilding Western North Carolina

Understanding Asheville’s $225 Million

I want to provide an update on our community’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene and address concerns regarding the timeline and process for accessing the recently announced federal disaster recovery funds.

Federal Disaster Recovery Funding

On January 7, 2025, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a $225 million Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) direct allocation for the City of Asheville. These funds are intended to support housing recovery, infrastructure restoration, and economic revitalization.

However, this announcement signified an allocation—not an immediate release of funding to the state or Asheville. Receiving any portion of the $225 million requires us to follow a federally mandated and time-bound process before we can start recovery projects and then draw down the grant funds.

CDBG-DR Action Plan Development

To access these funds, we are required to develop and submit an Action Plan to HUD outlining how the funds will be used. This planning process must include a data-driven needs assessment, public engagement, a draft action plan, final plan submission, council approval, and HUD review before we are in the clear to start projects that will be funded by the grant.

On January 17, 2025 the city began gathering data and input from residents, businesses, and stakeholders. So far, nearly 7,000 residents have participated through surveys and community meetings. See the list of local meetings and register at publicinput.com/b82874. The public engagement period ends on February 26, 2025.

This input is shaping our Draft CDBG-DR Action Plan, which will be published for public comment on March 4 and must go through a 30-day public comment period before submission to HUD. Staff have been meeting with residents, business owners, and stakeholders across Asheville to ensure this plan reflects the most pressing needs of our community.

After the public comment period and City Council approval on April 8, the final plan will be submitted to HUD no later than April 21. HUD then has up to 45 days to review and approve it. Once HUD approval is granted, the City can begin implementing programs and drawing down funds as needed.

City Council Actions on Storm Recovery

While we work through the federal process to receive the CDBG-DR funding, we have already begun using other available funds, including FEMA’s Public Assistance, to remove debris, provide housing and business recovery assistance, and repair city infrastructure. At its January 14, 2025 meeting, the Asheville City Council approved several key recovery initiatives, including:

• Emergency Water Infrastructure Repairs: Approved an emergency contract with Buchanan Pump Service and Supply for repairs at the North Fork Water Treatment Plant.

• Rental Assistance for Displaced Residents: Authorized $624,000 for the Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant Program in partnership with Buncombe County.

• Water Treatment Plant Upgrades: Approved contracts for upgrades and rehabilitation of water purification filters at the North Fork and William DeBruhl Water Treatment Plants.

• Neighborhood Water Distribution Improvements: Approved a construction contract for better access to water infrastructure.

• Park and Playground Repairs: Authorized repairs and replacement of the playground and basketball courts at Burton Street Park.

These actions represent tangible progress using existing funds while we await the release of federal resources.

Support from Federal and State Leaders

We are fortunate to have strong advocates in Congressman Chuck Edwards, Senator Thom Tillis, and Senator Ted Budd, who are actively pushing for sustained relief and advocating for the fastest possible release of recovery funds. They were sent to Washington to represent the people of North Carolina, and I have no doubt that if there were a way to expedite the process, they would be leading the charge to make it happen.

Addressing Concerns About Federal Policy

I know there is growing concern about federal workforce reductions and grant funding and how our recovery might be impacted. While we do not have all the answers yet, we remain hopeful that our congressional delegation and federal agency partners will continue to prioritize our urgent recovery needs. Asheville is committed to working with all levels of government to ensure that the necessary resources reach our community as quickly as possible.

Moving Forward Together

Recovery is a slow process, but it is a collaborative effort. We will continue to prioritize transparency and provide updates as new information becomes available. I encourage residents to stay engaged by participating in public meetings during the state and local CDBG-DR public comment period. Your input is essential to shaping the recovery plan for our city and region.

Thank you for your continued commitment to rebuilding Western North Carolina.

Sincerely,
Mayor Esther Manheimer
Co-Chair, Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee