Special Meeting: Infrastructure Recovery Board Meeting (Hybrid) (Feb 10, 2026)

Infrastructure Recovery Board Meeting Recap: Helping Asheville Recover from Tropical Storm Helene

On February 10, 2026, the Infrastructure Recovery Board held a special meeting to discuss how to best use $125 million in federal disaster recovery funds (CDBG-DR) received after Tropical Storm Helene. This meeting was a crucial step in rebuilding our community and making it more resilient to future storms, and here’s what you need to know.

What Did the Board Decide?

The board is poised to recommend allocating funds towards three key projects, prioritizing rebuilding and enhancing our community:

• French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project: A full $22.5 million is recommended for a comprehensive rebuild of the riverfront area, aiming to create vibrant recreational spaces.
• Azalea Parks & Infrastructure Recovery Project: $10 million is earmarked for rebuilding and improving the Azalea recreation area, focusing on making it more resilient to future weather events.
• North Fork Reservoir Permanent Pretreatment Project: The board is recommending reserving the remaining $89.7 million for this vital project, which will improve our water quality and reliability. However, this funding is contingent on securing additional funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

What Was Discussed?

The meeting involved a detailed discussion about the best way to allocate these funds. Board members emphasized the importance of clear timelines and communication, especially given that CDBG-DR funds have a six-year spending deadline. There was also considerable discussion about alternative funding options for the North Fork Reservoir project in case the HMGP funds don't materialize, potentially exploring future water and sewer bonds. The board also touched on the importance of incorporating public art into these projects, even with budget constraints.

What Did Residents Have to Say?

While no public comments were taken during this meeting, the board acknowledged the importance of community input. The process that led to today’s recommendations included a comprehensive survey conducted in January 2025, which highlighted residents' priorities for infrastructure resilience, housing stability, and economic recovery. These survey results will continue to inform the city's overall recovery strategy.

What Happens Next?

Here’s what to expect in the coming weeks and months:

• City Council Review: The board's recommendations will be presented to the City Council’s Policy, Finance and Infrastructure Committee on February 24th.
• Community Design Workshops: The city will be hosting design workshops to gather community feedback on the park projects. Mark your calendars for February 28th and March 10th to participate!
• Water Project Update: Bill Hart, the Water Resources Director, will provide an update on water projects at the March 3rd Infrastructure Recovery Board meeting.
• Connect Buncombe Review: Board members encourage everyone to review the "Making Strong Connections for a Resilient Future" white paper, which outlines how greenways can contribute to climate resilience.

Why Does This Matter?

This meeting was a significant step towards rebuilding our community after Tropical Storm Helene. The decisions made will directly impact the quality of our parks, the reliability of our water supply, and the overall resilience of Asheville. By investing in these key infrastructure projects, we're working to create a stronger, more vibrant city for everyone. Keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in the design workshops and share your vision for a resilient Asheville!