Buncombe County Community Briefing | Feb. 12, 2025

Buncombe County Community Briefing Recap: Storm Recovery and Ongoing Weather Concerns (February 12, 2025)

The Buncombe County Community Briefing, held on February 12, 2025, focused primarily on the ongoing recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene and addressed current weather concerns impacting the county. The briefing provided a comprehensive update for residents on available resources, progress made in debris removal, and upcoming events designed to assist those affected by the storm. No formal votes or decisions were made during this briefing; rather, it served as an informational update from various agencies and organizations involved in the recovery process.

A significant portion of the briefing was dedicated to outlining resources available to residents impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Several “Recovery Resource Series” events were announced, providing opportunities for residents to meet with FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA), legal aid services, and other organizations. These events will take place on February 13th (Barnardsville Fire Station), February 20th (Owen High School Cafeteria), February 25th (Reynolds High School Cafeteria), and February 27th (Lester Community Center). Residents were strongly encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance through disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (deadline March 8th) and Disaster Unemployment Assistance through des.nc.gov (deadline March 10th). The North Carolina Disaster Case Management Program was also highlighted as a resource for personalized recovery guidance.

Updates were provided on the substantial progress being made in debris removal. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has removed an impressive 1.1 million cubic yards of debris from rights-of-way and over 109,000 cubic yards from waterways – a volume equivalent to approximately 9.5 stadium fields. Tetra Tech is managing private property debris removal, with over 2,800 applications received to date. The Asheville City has collected over 345,835 cubic yards of debris and is seeking community input on how to best utilize $225 million in Disaster Recovery funds.

Beyond immediate recovery, discussions centered on long-term resilience and preparedness. The American Red Cross is supporting the formation of Buncombe County’s long-term recovery groups and offering financial assistance to those with major storm damage. Residents were reminded to sign up for BC Alerts (text BC Alerts to 99411 or visit buncombecounty.org/codered) for emergency notifications and to utilize the One Buncombe Call Center (828-250-6100) for questions and assistance.

What’s Next & Important Dates:

• Recovery Resource Series Events: February 13th, 20th, 25th & 27th (see locations above)
• FEMA Application Deadline: March 8, 2025
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline: March 10, 2025
• Asheville City Council Retreat: February 13th & 14th (focusing on recovery priorities)

This briefing underscored the collaborative effort underway to support Buncombe County residents in recovering from Tropical Storm Helene and preparing for potential future weather events. Residents are encouraged to utilize the resources outlined, stay informed through official channels, and actively participate in shaping the county’s recovery priorities. For comprehensive information and updates, visit engage.bunkhamounty.org/buncomerecovers.