City officials encourage community input on recovery initiatives.
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Asheville is engaging the community in shaping a $225 million recovery plan funded by HUD post-Hurricane Helene. Public sessions invite residents to share input on housing and infrastructure priorities as the city embarks on its recovery journey. The funds aim to support vulnerable communities, with 70% designated for low to moderate-income households. Asheville is set to meet the April 21 deadline for the final action plan, with immediate steps already underway to address critical infrastructure needs.
Asheville is buzzing with excitement and an opportunity for the community to shape its future. The city is rolling out a policy initiative that will funnel an impressive $225 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) into recovery efforts following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This is a significant step for the city as it seeks to rejuvenate housing, economic prospects, and vital infrastructure.
City officials are urging residents to come forward and share their thoughts during three scheduled public sessions this month. The sessions aim to gather feedback on how best to allocate these funds—with a focus on housing solutions, economic revitalization projects, and infrastructure improvements. This is your chance to voice what matters most to you and your neighbors as Asheville embarks on this substantial recovery journey.
This funding is part of a larger initiative, with nearly $12 billion earmarked nationwide to help communities affected by disasters. North Carolina is slated to receive about $1.4 billion of that total, pointing to the state’s pressing need for robust recovery measures. The allocation follows a visit from HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman to the region in January, where she assessed the severe damage caused by Hurricane Helene back in September.
Interestingly, the draft action plan lays out some essential ground rules for the use of these funds. A remarkable 70% of the money must be directed towards helping low to moderate-income households and areas. This ensures that those who need the most support will receive necessary assistance in rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the hurricane’s devastation.
While the process has just begun, residents can expect some projects to kick off this winter, bringing about a glimmer of hope in a challenging time. James Shelton, the Asheville Community Development Division Manager, highlighted the immense responsibility that comes with handling this funding. This is an entirely new program for the city, emphasizing the importance of developing sound policies and procedures to manage the funds responsibly.
In addition, this HUD funding will complement efforts from FEMA and insurance assistance, creating a more solid foundation for any projects that were previously funded. The aim is to bolster recovery plans already in place, rather than start from scratch.
As the clock ticks, there’s a deadline looming for the final action plan submission to HUD, set for April 21. City officials are determined and on track to meet this deadline. But don’t fret if there are changes needed along the way—this action plan can and will be amended over time to reflect the ever-evolving needs of the Asheville community.
Speaking of community needs, residents are encouraged to contribute their thoughts via the city’s recovery website, where the plan is readily available for review. Engaging with the process has never been easier, and every opinion matters in shaping the direction Asheville takes.
In case you’ve missed the latest developments, Mayor Esther Manheimer stressed the critical need for rebuilding infrastructure as the city navigates this complex recovery journey. The economic toll from Hurricane Helene is staggering, with estimates suggesting $53 billion is necessary for comprehensive recovery efforts throughout North Carolina. Over 7,000 road locations and 654 bridges have suffered damage due to the hurricane, underscoring a dire need for upgrades and repairs.
Asheville has already received an immediate allocation of $1.7 million to begin addressing infrastructure repairs, but many anticipate needing even more funding down the line for long-term solutions.
It’s important to recognize that Asheville is still feeling the effects of Hurricane Helene, which sadly resulted in nine lives lost, with four individuals still unaccounted for. This is a poignant reminder that while recovery funding is on the way, the community’s healing is a journey that will take time and collective effort.
So, Asheville, it’s time to speak up! Your input is invaluable as the city embarks on this recovery path. Let’s join hands to rebuild and create a more resilient future together!
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