On October 28, 2025, the Asheville City Council met to discuss recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. The agenda included infrastructure repairs, funding applications, and program changes to support residents and improve city resilience. Council members approved several measures related to these topics.
The council authorized Phase 1 repairs at the Bee Tree Dam. The City Manager will enter into an emergency contract with Schnabel Engineering South for a three-phase engineering plan. Interim Water Resources Director Bill Hart said the repairs are necessary to maintain the dam and protect the community after the storm.
The council also approved a resolution to apply for a Water System Resilience Improvement Grant. If awarded, the grant would provide funding from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency. Helene Recovery Coordinator Bridget Herring said the city is seeking multiple funding sources for both immediate and long-term needs…