Asheville Council Approves Millions for Helene Recovery, Debris Work
At its Dec. 9 meeting, Asheville City Council approved expanded contracts and multimillion dollar budget amendments to support long term recovery from Tropical Storm Helene. The measures add grant management capacity and fund debris monitoring and removal work, actions that aim to speed cleanup and protect neighborhoods while seeking federal and state reimbursement.
Asheville City Council advanced three measures tied to ongoing recovery from Tropical Storm Helene as the city continues long term rebuilding efforts. Officials approved an expanded contract with Benevate LLC doing business as Neighborly Software to add software modules needed to manage Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds. City leaders said improving grant management is critical to tracking federal dollars and ensuring timely assistance.
Nikki Reid the citys community and economic development director said strengthening the citys grant management system is essential to maintaining "the high level of federal disaster fund management our community and recovery efforts require and deserve." The upgrade is intended to help Asheville administer Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds with greater transparency and compliance, a priority as reimbursements move through federal and state channels.
Council also authorized two items related to debris removal. The first approved a contract with CDR Maguire Inc. to oversee debris monitoring tied to Helene, with a budget amendment of four million dollars that will be reimbursed through FEMA Public Assistance funds and the state. The second increased the citys not to exceed contract with Southern Disaster Recovery LLC to consolidate previous and anticipated future spending, bringing that amendment to twenty six million dollars, likewise expected to be reimbursable through FEMA and the state.
City recovery staff said these measures are meant to keep cleanup moving and to protect public health and access by clearing roads and private properties of storm related debris. Because the work is structured for reimbursement, city leaders expect limited immediate local fiscal impact, though successful recovery will depend on careful grant administration and documentation.
More information is available on the City of Asheville website and the Helene Recovery portal where residents can find updates on debris pickup zones timelines and guidance on how to report storm damage.
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