Helene Recovery Updates - FEB 5, 2025 - County Briefing

Helene Recovery Update: A Summary for Asheville Residents

On February 5, 2025, the County held a briefing to update residents on progress related to recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene, which impacted our community 133 days ago. The meeting provided a detailed look at ongoing work, focusing on debris removal, community support, and future planning for long-term recovery. This recap highlights key takeaways from the session so you can stay informed about how our city is moving forward.

Significant Progress in Debris Removal & Waterway Cleanup: A major focus of the meeting was the extensive debris removal underway across Asheville. To date, over 300,000 cubic yards of debris and 50,000 tons of mud/silt have been collected from public spaces. The city is currently in the second phase, tackling harder-to-reach areas. Residents should anticipate a third and final pass of debris removal soon, with an announcement forthcoming regarding the date. If you have remaining debris at your property, please stay tuned for instructions on when to place it at the curb. Beyond streets and parks, significant efforts are underway to clear waterways, a partnership between Buncombe County, FEMA, and the Army Corps of Engineers. Contractors are also working diligently to retrieve over 80 vehicles and vessels still impacted in our waterways, employing environmentally conscious methods.

Supporting Our Community & Businesses: The meeting also showcased the remarkable community spirit demonstrated by events like "Serving Up Love," a charity tennis event that raised over $1 million for local nonprofits. The city is actively gathering feedback to guide recovery efforts, having received over 6,800 responses to the Helene Recovery Priorities Survey. A business response survey, in partnership with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, will soon launch to assess the storm's impact on local businesses. If you are a business owner, be sure to participate – your input is vital! The city is actively seeking community input on unmet needs as it prepares to apply for $225 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBGDR) Disaster Recovery Funds, a significant resource for long-term recovery.

What's Next & How You Can Participate: While no formal votes were taken during the meeting, several key action items emerged. Residents should be on the lookout for an announcement regarding the final debris removal pass. Business owners are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Business Response Survey (available at AshevilleChamber.org). For all residents, opportunities to share your thoughts and concerns about unmet needs are available through community engagement events – visit publicinput.com/cdbg-dr to learn more and participate. City staff, along with partners from Buncombe County, FEMA, and the Army Corps of Engineers, will continue their vital work.

Why This Matters: The ongoing recovery efforts are crucial for rebuilding our community and ensuring Asheville remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. The collaborative approach highlighted in the meeting – involving city departments, county agencies, nonprofits, and residents – demonstrates a strong commitment to a comprehensive and equitable recovery. By staying informed and participating in surveys and community engagement, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of our city’s recovery. City Manager Deborah Campbell emphasized this collaborative spirit, highlighting the importance of working together to overcome these challenges and build a stronger Asheville.

This recap aims to provide clarity on the progress being made, outline upcoming opportunities for citizen involvement, and underscore the importance of a united effort in rebuilding our community after Tropical Storm Helene.