Asheville Hosts Public Meetings for Disaster Recovery Input

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Residents of Asheville participating in a community meeting about disaster recovery efforts.

News Summary

City leaders in Asheville are conducting public meetings throughout February to gather feedback on the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. This initiative aims to address the unmet disaster-related needs following Hurricane Helene. Residents are encouraged to participate and share insights that will shape the draft Action Plan, ensuring community voices are heard in the recovery process.

Asheville Set to Host Public Meetings for Disaster Recovery Feedback

In an exciting opportunity for residents of Asheville, city leaders will be hosting a series of public meetings throughout February that focus on the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. This initiative aims to gather vital feedback and insights around addressing the unmet disaster-related needs in the community.

What to Expect from the Meetings

Six public meetings are on the calendar, and each gathering will feature a presentation detailing the CDBG-DR program and its allocation processes. These sessions ensure that all information presented meets the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Following the presentations, the floor will open up for residents to share their thoughts and feedback. This engagement is crucial as it will play a significant role in shaping the draft Action Plan and funding decisions moving forward. The importance of community participation cannot be overstated, and all residents are encouraged to attend and voice their perspectives.

The Focus of the CDBG-DR Program

The CDBG-DR program is all about recovery from disasters and it specifically targets areas like housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure restoration. In light of the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, it aims to provide much-needed support to rebuild homes, repair vital infrastructure, and offer relief to small businesses that suffered during the storm.

Excitingly, western North Carolina has received not one but two significant CDBG-DR awards totaling an impressive $1.65 billion. These funds were recently announced and are set to greatly aid those in the region still recovering from the hurricane’s impacts. The allocation breaks down to $1.4 billion directed to the state of North Carolina and an additional $225 million earmarked specifically for the City of Asheville.

Process and Timeline

The draft Action Plan that will arise from these meetings is due for publication in March. At that point, further public input will be collected before it is finalized and submitted to HUD in April. This well-structured timeline allows ample opportunity for community voices to be heard.

Supporting the Recovery Efforts

The federal disaster recovery funding comes as part of the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025, a significant law enacted in December 2024. Among the notable plans, the state government is considering purchasing up to 1,000 temporary housing units for those affected by Hurricane Helene. These costs will be reimbursed by FEMA to alleviate the financial strain on state and local resources.

Leadership and Support

In a show of solidarity and support, the Governor of North Carolina has taken steps like issuing an executive order to waive federal limits on the driving time required for transporting essential fuels. This aims to provide crucial assistance to displaced residents still coping with the aftermath of the hurricane and severe weather.

A dedicated recovery team has already been formed, spearheaded by Matthew Calabria, to lead the charge in addressing both the urgent and long-term needs within western North Carolina. The recovery operations are expected to span several years, demonstrating a commitment to restoring the community and ensuring it emerges stronger than before.