Asheville, NC, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The Asheville City Council has approved significant infrastructure projects and financial oversight for $225 million in federal disaster recovery funds, following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene. Initiatives include improvements to water systems, roadways, and assessments of storm damage. The city is actively addressing weaknesses in its infrastructure to enhance community resilience and ensure future reliability in water supply.
Asheville City Council Approves Infrastructure Projects and Financial Oversight for $225 Million in Federal Disaster Recovery Funds Following Tropical Storm Helene
On August 26, the Asheville City Council approved crucial measures aimed at recovering from the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene, which caused extensive damage to the city’s infrastructure. The council’s decisions target various projects, including improvements to water systems, roadways, and disaster recovery programs, funded by a substantial allocation of $225 million in federal disaster recovery funds.
Key Infrastructure Projects
Among the approved initiatives, the council authorized engineering design services for the North Fork Transmission Main No. 3 project. This critical infrastructure upgrade is intended to reduce vulnerabilities to system outages by routing the new transmission line at a higher elevation, away from areas prone to flooding. The North Fork facility is vital, supplying approximately 70% of Asheville’s drinking water, and faced significant disruptions during and after the storm.
In addition to the transmission main project, the council also approved an assessment of storm damage to streetlights, poles, and underground utilities in the Biltmore Village area. Additionally, a design contract was awarded for the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project, which encompasses roughly five miles of riverfront.
Financial Oversight and Funding
The city entered an agreement with the N.C. Department of Transportation for constructing a temporary bridge at Gashes Creek. Tetra Tech Inc. was selected as the consultant to oversee the management of the city’s $225 million allocation in federal disaster recovery funds. To ensure compliance with federal financial and program guidelines, an internal auditor will be hired.
Additionally, a $6 million budget amendment was approved to cover ongoing recovery costs, including temporary structures and FEMA project labor. To date, Asheville has already approved nearly $23 million in expenditures related to the storm’s devastating impacts.
Community Engagement
Asheville officials are seeking up to $1 million from the state’s Small Business Infrastructure Grant fund for restoration efforts in the Biltmore Village Historic District. Furthermore, four recovery advisory boards have been established to enhance community involvement and oversight throughout the recovery process.
Addressing Long-Term Issues
The interim Water Resources Director noted the necessity for the new transmission main to reinforce the system’s resilience, especially since many residents experienced prolonged water outages due to existing infrastructure vulnerabilities post-storm.
Following the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene, contracts were already approved in July to address the aging water infrastructure. Temporary filtration units at treatment plants are being managed by private contractors, while the city considers a pre-filtration system that is essential for water quality, already employed by most U.S. utilities. The costs for implementing this system are estimated to exceed $250 million and will require federal assistance.
Conclusion
In light of climate change and aging infrastructure concerns, Asheville city officials are prioritizing efforts to modernize its water systems to ensure future reliability. Current efforts to repair critical facilities and infrastructure improvements come amidst high expectations for FEMA funding to cover a majority of associated costs, reflecting a comprehensive approach to disaster recovery and infrastructure resilience.
FAQ
What projects have been approved by the Asheville City Council for disaster recovery?
The approved projects include improvements to water systems, roadways, and infrastructure recovery programs, including the construction of a new transmission main, assessment of storm damage, and the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project.
How much federal disaster recovery funding has Asheville received?
Asheville has received $225 million in federal disaster recovery funds to address the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.
What measures are being taken to ensure financial oversight of the recovery funds?
The city has contracted Tetra Tech Inc. to assist in managing the funds and will hire an internal auditor to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.
What infrastructure weaknesses were highlighted during the storm recovery?
The city is addressing vulnerabilities in its water infrastructure which led to prolonged outages during and after the storm. Efforts are being made to install a new transmission main and consider a pre-filtration system for water quality assurance.
Key Features of the Disaster Recovery Process
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Federal Funds | $225 million allocated for disaster recovery |
| North Fork Transmission Main No. 3 | A new line to enhance water supply resilience |
| Biltmore Village Assessment | Damage assessment for streetlights and utilities |
| French Broad Riverfront Parks Project | Design contract for riverfront recovery |
| Financial Oversight | Consulting from Tetra Tech and an internal auditor |
| Community Involvement | Establishment of recovery advisory boards |
| Ongoing Expenses | Approved $23 million for storm-related recovery costs |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Invests $66 Million to Upgrade Water Infrastructure
- 828 News Now: Asheville Plans New Water Main
- Insurance Journal: Infrastructure Recovery in Asheville
- AVL Today: Asheville Infrastructure Upgrades
- WLOS: Asheville Aging Water System Scrutinized
- Wikipedia: Infrastructure
- Google Search: Asheville disaster recovery
- Google Scholar: Asheville water infrastructure
- Google News: Asheville Tropical Storm Helene recovery
- Wikipedia: Federal Disaster 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.
