At the August 26 City Council meeting, Council members undertook consideration of several Helene Recovery agenda items as the City and community continue to move forward with recovery related projects and needs. Below is a list of the items, grouped by topic or category, actions, and impacts.
Helene recovery related items:
Water:
Consent item B : Approved: Engineering Design Services for North Fork Transmission Main
The proposed North Fork Transmission Main No 3 project has been prioritized by the Water Resources Department as a needed mitigation project to reduce risks of system outages as a result of natural disasters and add redundancy to the water distribution system.
“Planning and designing a new main transmission line from North Fork, routed at a higher elevation and further away from a restricted river corridor, will serve the Asheville community to reduce water system vulnerabilities to future flooding events.” stated Interim Water Resources Director Bill Hart
Resources: Staff Report
Roadways & Infrastructure:
Consent Item I : Approved: Biltmore Village Streetlight Assessment
This agreement facilitates the assessment of damage caused by Helene to street lights, poles, and underground utility systems in Biltmore Village. Biltmore Village stakeholders cited the key role lighting plays in safety and economic recovery for the area.
“City staff and Biltmore Village business owners worked together with Duke Energy after the storm to implement temporary lightning solutions in the area,” said City Traffic Engineer Christopher Cairns. “This Council approval allows us to enter the next necessary phase of assessment, as we work towards the ultimate goal of full restoration of damaged infrastructure in the area.”
Resources: Staff Report, Project Page
Consent item AA: Approved:French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project – Design Contract
City Council adopted a resolution to enter into a contract with Sasaki Associates, Inc. for design and engineering services needed to rebuild the French Broad Riverfront park system. The project area encompasses five linear miles of waterfront parks on both sides of the river, stretching from the western side of City limits downstream from Hominy Creek to just below the Jeff Bowen Bridge (I-240). The team will develop a thorough design plan, including cost estimates for projects identified through engagement with residents, stakeholder groups, and partner agencies.
“Parks and greenways along the French Broad River are central focal points of the Asheville Parks & Recreation system and a vital public space for recreation and connection,” according to Asheville Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “Moving into the design phase for the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project is a critical step forward in our long-term recovery from Tropical Storm Helene. This project is not just about rebuilding what was lost; it is about creating a more resilient and accessible riverfront that can withstand future challenges and serve our residents for generations to come. We are committed to an inclusive and collaborative process, and we look forward to working with the community to shape the future of this beloved area.”
Resources: Staff Report, Project Page, supporting articles
Consent Item BB: Approved: DOT Agreement – Temporary Bridge at Gashes Creek
City Council adopted a resolution to enter into an agreement with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to build a temporary bridge in close proximity to the former Gashes Creek Bridge, which received catastrophic damage from Tropical Storm Helene. A temporary bridge is necessary in the short term to provide acceptable emergency access and response times and relieve traffic congestion related to activities at the surrounding facilities. As part of the Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery project, the long term plan is to build a lasting and resilient permanent bridge.
“This effort would not be possible without the continued collaborative relationship between the City and NCDOT,” said City of Asheville Public Works Director Amy Deyton. “We’re grateful for their generous assistance with the design and construction of the temporary bridge.”
Resources: Staff Report, Project Page
CDBG-DR Funding:
Consent item E: Approved: CDBG-DR Implementation Consulting Services
Following a review of proposals submitted in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP), the City has selected Tetra Tech, Inc. to support the implementation of programs and projects that will be funded with the City’s $225M allocation in CDBG-DR funding. Tetra Tech will bring world class services that will support a transparent, compliant, and impactful roll-out of disaster recovery programs.
Resources: Staff Report
Consent item F: Approved: CDBG-DR Internal Audit Contract
As part of the implementation of the City’s CDBG-DR grant, the Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that the City employ an internal auditor to ensure programmatic and financial compliance. Internal auditing services will ensure that all CDBG-DR funded activities are compliant with all laws and regulations, as well as help to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
Resources: Staff Report
Additional Funding:
Consent item N: Approved: Budget Amendment – Helene FEMA Reimbursements
To date, City Council has approved $22.8M in Helene-related budget amendments to fund General Fund expenses related to Helene that include costs from the initial response, ongoing staff expenses, and the contract with Hagerty Consulting.
“Spending authority from these prior Helene-related budget amendments is nearing full utilization and additional budget is needed.” stated Finance Director Tony McDowell. “Staff is recommending that Council amend the Helene-related budget by $6.0M to fund upcoming expenses including a temporary bridge for Gashes Greek and Hardesty Lane as well as labor expenses related to FEMA projects. Additional budget amendments may need to be brought to City Council in future meetings.”
Resources: Staff Report
Consent Item H: Approved: Request to Apply for State Infrastructure Revitalization Grant
This action enables the City to apply for a grant from the N.C. Dept. of Commerce Small Business (SmBIZ) Infrastructure Grant fund for restoration of public infrastructure in the Biltmore Village Historic District. This grant fund is available to local governments to restore and repair critical infrastructure that assists in small businesses ability to retain business, expand access, spur private investment to create stability, and leverage resources to create resiliency and economic growth. The maximum amount of funding is up to $1-million per project.
“The scope of grant possibilities under this program is still being explored by staff” said Helene Recovery Coordinator Bridget Herring. “Grants funding of this nature could be applied to eligible projects such as sidewalk repair, curbing, street lights, and/or street trees and landscaping.”
Resources: Staff Report
Operations
Consent Item CC: Approved: HERC replacement vehicles contract
This action allows the Parks and Recreation department to rent vehicles to carry out day to day operations while awaiting permanent vehicles to replace those damaged by Helene.
“The approval of this contract is a crucial step forward in our continued recovery efforts and a return to pre-Helene levels of service,” according to Asheville Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Pete Wall. “It ensures our department has the necessary resources to maintain our beautiful city parks, greenways, and community centers – allowing our community to safely enjoy these vital green spaces as we rebuild and strengthen Asheville for the future.”
Resources: Staff Report
New Business B: Approved — Resolution to establish four Helene Recovery boards
This Resolution establishes four Helene Recovery boards and the temporary operational structure of current City advisory boards and commissions.
“The creation of these Helene Recovery boards provides a clear structure for collaboration, transparency, and community engagement as we move through recovery,” said Assistant City Manager Ben Woody. “By aligning our advisory boards and commissions with this temporary framework, we can ensure that resources, ideas, and community voices are coordinated to support Asheville’s long-term recovery and resilience.”
Resources: Staff Report, previous presentation