# Special Meeting: Infrastructure Recovery Board Meeting (Hybrid) (Feb 10, 2026) **Body:** City of Asheville — Infrastructure Recovery Board **Date:** February 10, 2026 10:30 AM EST (2026-02-10T10:30:00-05:00) **Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - First Floor Conference Room **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662 ## Summary 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! ## Agenda - [APPROVAL OF MINUTES JANUARY 12, 2026](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/1552) - [Resource: D. Tyrell McGirt & Bridgett Herring](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21165) - [Amend Rules of Procedures](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/1553) - [Site visits discussion](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/1554) - [Description: CDBG-DR Infrastructure Allocations](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21166) - [Action: Capture Pros and Cons of Reserving Remaining CDBG-DR Infrastructure Funding](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21167) - [Recovery Board projects open house](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/1555) - [Materials: Final IRB CDBG-DR Infrastructure Allocations - 02.10.2026](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21168) - [Riverfront Recovery projects summary](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/1556) - [Motion to Recommend the following top 3 themes for the Azalea Park project](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/1557) - [Supporting Documents](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21169) - [Motion to Recommend the following top 3 themes for the French Broad River park project](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/1558) - [Helene Recovery Priorities Survey Summary_REVISED 02.13.25.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21170) - [August 26, 2025 City Council PFI Committee Meeting - Recovery Funding Breakdown YouTube: www.youtube.com/live/PYpbdyJTkoo?t=103s](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21171) - [City of Asheville CDBG-DR Action Plan Cheat Sheet.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21172) - [Final CDBG-DR Action Plan Engagement Summary.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21173) - [PUBLIC COMMENT (30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT, 3 MINUTES EACH)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21174) - [INFORMAL DISCUSSION / FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21175) - [Riverfront Parks Recovery Projects - Concepts Introduced](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21176) - [Connect Buncombe White Paper](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21177) - [Connect Buncombe - Making Strong Connections for a Resilient Future - Sept 2025.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21178) - [Public Art Funding and Project Integration](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662/item/21179) ## Votes - To amend the Rules of Procedures — Passed, 13-0 - To Recommend the following top 3 themes for the French Broad River park project: 1) Multi-modal transportation artery, 2) River access, and 3) Reforestation & riparian health — Passed, 13-0 - To approve the November 10, 2025 minutes — Passed, 13-0 - To Recommend the following top 3 themes for the Azalea Park project: 1) Flood resilience as a design standard, 2) Pedestrian safety & multi-modal access, and 3) a two-way tie between Alternative sports & Lifestyle activities and Nature-first trails — Passed, 13-0 ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1VuEB_oGQg - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1050/segments ## Documents - [2-10-2026 Infrastructure Board Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=3631) - [Final CDBG-DR Action Plan Engagement Summary.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=8873) - [City of Asheville CDBG-DR Action Plan Cheat Sheet.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=2760) - [Helene Recovery Priorities Survey Summary_REVISED 02.13.25.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=2761) - [2-10-2026 Infrastructure Recovery Board.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=2757) - [Final IRB CDBG-DR Infrastructure Allocations - 02.10.2026.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=2762) - [agenda_2026-02-10.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=2755) - [minutes_2026-02-10.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=2756) - [Connect Buncombe - Making Strong Connections for a Resilient Future - Sept 2025.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=2758) - [Final CDBG-DR Action Plan Engagement Summary.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=2759) - [Helene Recovery Priorities Survey Summary_REVISED 02.13.25.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=8870) - [City of Asheville CDBG-DR Action Plan Cheat Sheet.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=8871) - [C.Bass Empower statement 12.31.25.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/662?document=3630) ## Sources - [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/infrastructure-recovery-board-meeting-feb-10-2026/)