Buncombe County, August 7, 2025
News Summary
As the one-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene approaches, Buncombe County officials shared updates on recovery efforts during a community briefing. Key initiatives include nearing completion of storm debris removal, launching a new Land Recovery Series, and upcoming community listening sessions. Residents were encouraged to utilize local resources for mental health support, and reminders for important events were shared, ensuring continued community engagement and recovery planning.
Buncombe County Prepares for One-Year Anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene with Community Briefing on Recovery Efforts
Buncombe County officials update recovery efforts as anniversary approaches
Buncombe County officials provided key updates during a community briefing on recovery efforts for Tropical Storm Helene, as the one-year anniversary of the storm approaches. The briefing emphasized the emotional toll of disaster recovery and the necessity for residents to support one another.
The final monthly community briefing is scheduled for September 3, unless additional meetings are warranted due to ongoing recovery efforts. Residents were reminded of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, with encouragement to seek help through provided support lines and mental health resources.
Storm Debris Removal and New Initiatives
Chad Eller from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that storm debris removal is nearing completion in Buncombe County, with only two complex properties pending. Since the storm, a total of 866 million cubic yards of debris have been removed, marking a significant milestone in recovery progress. In addition, a new Land Recovery Series will be introduced, running from August to November, and will provide free monthly sessions covering home re-vegetation, erosion control, and habitat restoration.
Community Engagement and Support Services
Imani Ustawi from SeekHealing addressed attendees about upcoming community listening sessions and the introduction of a “warm line” service, offering non-crisis support. This line can be reached at 828-547-4547, and Spanish-language connection groups will be available as well. To mark International Overdose Awareness Day, SeekHealing will host an event at Carrier Park in Asheville on August 31, running from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
An Asheville City Manager provided additional recovery project updates during the briefing, while plans for the county’s final summer town hall meeting were also discussed. This meeting is scheduled for Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Koontz Intermediate School.
Financial Support and Future Initiatives
The North Carolina Private Roads & Bridges Program will begin accepting reimbursement requests for up to 50% of repair costs from residents starting September 2024, with an application deadline tentatively set for February 2026. The Helene Recovery Center, located at 94 Cox Ave., is open to assist residents from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Residents can also access help by calling the One Buncombe call center at 828-250-6100 or receive storm updates by texting BCAlert to 99411.
Long-term Recovery Planning and Community Input
Officials shared insights on ongoing Long-Term Recovery Planning, which will focus on economic revitalization, health services, infrastructure, and community needs. In tandem with recovery initiatives, the Envision Buncombe survey has been initiated to gather community opinions on future recovery strategies.
Development plans for Swannanoa are underway to shape its post-storm future, while Owen Park has been identified as the most damaged project requiring significant recovery efforts. Community engagement for this park is anticipated to begin in late 2025, with construction contracts expected to go out by fall 2026. Local residents also expressed concerns regarding the prolonged closure of an Ingles grocery store since the storm, prompting community leaders to seek accountability from the company.
Key Event Reminders
- Final Community Briefing: September 3
- International Overdose Awareness Day Event: August 31 at Carrier Park, 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.
- Final Summer Town Hall Meeting: Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Koontz Intermediate School
Conclusion
Buncombe County continues to actively engage with its residents to ensure effective recovery from Tropical Storm Helene while also providing necessary resources and support to all those impacted by the storm.
FAQs
What is the date of the final community briefing for Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts?
The final community briefing is scheduled for September 3.
When is International Overdose Awareness Day?
International Overdose Awareness Day is on August 31.
What new initiatives are being offered to residents for recovery?
A new Land Recovery Series will offer free sessions on home re-vegetation, erosion control, and habitat restoration from August to November.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Community Briefing | September 3 |
| International Overdose Awareness Day | August 31 at Carrier Park |
| Land Recovery Series | Free sessions from August to November |
| Helene Recovery Center | Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Owen Park Recovery Engagement | Community engagement in late 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- 828 News Now
- WRAL
- Black Mountain News
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storms
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene Recovery
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
