At the April 28 City Council meeting, Council members took action and were presented information on multiple agenda items related to continued Helene recovery efforts including vital water system repairs, stormwater projects and funding opportunities. Other non- Helene recovery related items were also addressed including: housing, water projects, and homelessness. Each demonstrated the Council’s focus on transparency, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making.
Complete details on all agenda items and actions are available in the official meeting materials available on the City of Asheville website and a complete recording of the session is available on the City of Asheville YouTube channel.
Helene Recovery Related Items:
Water
Consent Item Item G: North Fork Repairs APPROVED
Authorizes the City Manager to execute a contract with Morgan Corporation for the North Fork Dam’s Tropical Storm Helene Repairs. This resolution also includes approving an associated budget amendment for a total of $994,849
Consent Item H: North Fork Transmission APPROVED
Authorizes the City Manager to amend the professional services contract with Ardurra Group, Inc. for the North Fork Transmission Main No. 3 Project inline with meeting federal funding deadlines.
“This investment moves a critical water infrastructure project forward by advancing the design of a new, more resilient transmission main from our primary treatment plant,” said Water Resources Director Bill Hart. “By relocating it to higher ground and away from flood-prone areas, we’re reducing future risk and taking the necessary steps to qualify for FEMA mitigation funding—helping protect reliable water service for our community long-term.”
Stormwater
Consent Item I: Damaged Stormwater Design & Engineering Contract APPROVED
The resolution approves a $1 million contract with an engineering firm to design repairs for damaged stormwater systems., It also allows a budget amendment to appropriate about $1.15 million in state and federal funding to the Stormwater Capital Projects fund.
Consent Item J: Damaged Stormwater Design & Engineering Contract APPROVED
The resolution approves a $1.05 million contract with an engineering firm to design stormwater repairs. It also allows a budget amendment to appropriate about $1.21 million in state and federal funding to the Stormwater Capital Projects Fund.
Consent Item K: Damaged Stormwater Design & Engineering Contract APPROVED
The resolution approves a $224,800 contract with TRC to design stormwater design and engineering , allows up to $33,720 in additional costs if needed, and adds about $258,500 in state and federal funding to help cover the project.
“The City of Asheville is moving forward with critical stormwater repairs following damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene,” said Derek Wainscott, Stormwater Division Manager. “By bringing on experienced engineering partners, we’re accelerating the design of repairs at over 50 sites across the city—prioritizing safety, resilience, and long-term reliability of our infrastructure. These contracts are a key step in restoring essential systems and strengthening our community against future storms.”
Funding
Consent Item L: Federal Aid-Routes application APPROVED
This resolution gives the City Manager permission to apply for and accept Federal Highway Administration(FHWA) Emergency Relief funds to help repair Federal-aid routes in Asheville if/as rewarded.
“Tropical Storm Helene caused significant damage to Asheville’s roads and infrastructure, and this funding gives us a path to fully restore critical corridors that serve our community every day,” said Helene Recovery Coordinator Bridget Herring. “By pursuing FHWA Emergency Relief funds for these federal-aid routes, we can repair what FEMA funding can’t cover and ensure these roads, sidewalks, and stormwater systems are rebuilt stronger and more resilient for the future.”
Consent Item M: FEMA Reimbursements APPROVED
This resolution adds $7.2 million for Hurricane Helene recovery. About $5.1 million will cover response and recovery costs reimbursed by FEMA and the state, and $2.1 million for allocation of insurance payments to support ongoing repair projects.
“Our recovery from Tropical Storm Helene is ongoing, and this action ensures we can continue that work without interruption. By adding funding for critical needs like infrastructure repairs and equipment replacement—and allocating insurance dollars already received—we’re keeping recovery projects moving forward while meeting all financial and legal requirements,” said Helene Recovery Coordinator Bridget Herring.
Consent Item N: Small Business Grant applications APPROVED
This resolution adds about $2.5 million in state Helene recovery funding to repair and restore infrastructure in Biltmore Village following Hurricane Helene.
“This project supports the City’s broader recovery efforts and reflects our commitment to rebuilding Biltmore Village in close partnership with the community,”said Helene Recovery Coordinator Bridget Herring. “ We are prioritizing accessibility, thoughtful design, and timely implementation, while continuing to engage stakeholders and keep advisory boards informed throughout the process.”
Non-Helene Recovery Consent Items:
Housing & Community development
Consent Item C: Regional Housing Consortium APPROVED
This resolution allows the City Manager to update an existing agreement so that the Town of Mars Hill and the Town of Marshall can join the Asheville Regional Housing Consortium. This expands regional cooperation on housing programs and resources.
“By formally adding the Towns of Mars Hill and Marshall to the Asheville Regional Housing Consortium, we are strengthening regional collaboration and ensuring all participating communities have a voice in the HOME Investment Partnership Program,” said Community and Economic Development Director Nikki Reid. “This update also aligns documentation with HUD requirements and supports coordinated efforts to expand access to housing resources across the region.”
Water System
Consent Item E: Lead and Copper Testing APPROVED
Request to approve a resolution for a three-year general services contract with RTI International, totaling $189,956.00, to provide necessary lead and copper testing.
“This vital three-year initiative provides free lead analysis for all City of Asheville Water Customers to help them check their household plumbing and service lines.”said Water Resources Director Bill Hart. “It is a proactive step that allows Water Resources to identify potential lead areas and prepare for the 2027 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, ensuring continuous compliance through 2028.”
Consent Item F: Lead Service Line Inventory APPROVED
Request to approve an $8,728.04 increase to the Chonzie, Inc. contract, raising it to $148,982.04, due to a 53% increase in fuel prices since the initial bidding process.
“This action by the council allows us to continue the critical inspection of the remaining 385 service lines and complete our unknown service line inventory by the regulatory deadline of October 2027,” said Water resources director Bill Hart. “Staff has worked diligently to identify and inventory the original 37,000 unknown service lines as part of our commitment to meet EPA and NCDEQ mandates.”
Manager’s Report
Manager’s Report – Continuum of Care Update presentation