Asheville Updates Disaster Recovery Plan After HUD Feedback

News Summary

Following criticism from HUD Secretary Scott Turner, Asheville is revising its disaster recovery plan related to Hurricane Helene. The new plan, submitted March 10, emphasizes support for all businesses rather than focusing solely on Minority and Women-Owned Businesses. Asheville aims to align the recovery efforts with federal guidelines while involving the community through public sessions for feedback ahead of the submission deadline on April 21.

Asheville Shakes Up Disaster Recovery Plan After Criticism

Asheville is making some significant changes to its disaster recovery plan following criticism from the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This comes after the city released a detailed document on March 4, outlining how to effectively use a whopping $225 million allocated by HUD to help the community bounce back from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Impacts of Hurricane Helene

When Hurricane Helene rolled through, it left a trail of destruction that hit housing, infrastructure, and the economy hard. The damages were staggering, totaling over $59 billion across Western North Carolina. In light of this, Asheville’s original disaster recovery plan outlined how the city can best utilize funds to assist in recovery efforts. But it turns out that the original strategy wasn’t up to snuff.

Concerns Raised

One particular sticking point arose with a part of the plan that prioritized assistance for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses. This section drew sharp criticism from HUD Secretary Scott Turner, who deemed it unacceptable under HUD’s policies. His remarks highlighted that the focus on certain groups over others did not align with the government’s standards.

Changes in the Air

Thanks to this critique, Asheville is taking a step back to re-evaluate and adjust its approach. A formal statement from HUD indicated that the initial plan was “unsatisfactory” and needed substantial changes to be approved. This prompted the city to commit to a revision that aligns more closely with HUD’s demands and federal guidelines.

In a new plan submitted on March 10, the city shifted course. The revised document emphasizes a broader support for all businesses under its Small Business Support program. This program aims to not only assist small businesses but also ensure that it reaches those employing individuals from low- and moderate-income backgrounds and vulnerable groups.

Building Bridges

A city spokesperson, Kim Miller, has expressed that Asheville is dedicated to maintaining open communication with HUD representatives. This step is crucial to ensure that all recovery resources comply with federal guidelines going forward.

Your Voice Matters

Despite the whirlwind of changes and adjustments, local authorities are keen on keeping the community involved in the process. Asheville has scheduled three public sessions where residents can share their thoughts on the revised disaster recovery plan before its submission deadline on April 21. This initiative allows residents to engage in meaningful dialogue about the recovery efforts, ensuring that the final plan reflects the diverse perspectives of the community.

Community Support

Rest assured, Asheville is not at risk of losing any funding because of the initial criticism. Congressman Chuck Edwards reassured everyone that the community will receive the necessary support, reinforcing that recovery following a natural disaster should be an equitable process for all residents, no matter their background.

Looking Forward

In these transformative times, Asheville is taking the necessary steps to align its disaster recovery plan with federal expectations, all while listening to the voices of its residents. The upcoming public sessions promise to be an excellent opportunity for locals to shape how their city recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

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Additional Resources

• WLOS: Asheville Revises Disaster Plan
• Daily Item: Asheville Changes Disaster Recovery Plan
• Charlotte Observer: Asheville’s Revised Disaster Plan
• Fox Carolina: DEI Criticism of Asheville’s Draft Plan
• Wikipedia: Disaster Management

Author: HERE Asheville