At its meeting on December 9, the Asheville City Council approved several measures related to ongoing recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. The actions focused on improving grant management and funding debris removal projects.
Council members authorized an amendment to a general services contract with Benevate LLC, doing business as Neighborly Software. This change will add funding and modules specifically for managing Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grants. Nikki Reid, Director of Community and Economic Development, said, “Having a reliable and robust grant management system in place allows the City to continue to deliver the high level of federal disaster fund management our community and recovery efforts require and deserve.”
The Council also approved contracts aimed at supporting debris removal operations connected to Tropical Storm Helene. One resolution allows the City Manager to execute a contract with CDR Maguire, Inc., for monitoring debris removal efforts. The associated budget amendment totals $4 million, which will be reimbursed by FEMA Public Assistance funds and the State of North Carolina.
Another resolution amends an existing contract with Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC. The update includes all previous and future spending under this agreement for debris removal tied to Helene recovery work. The related budget amendment is set at $26 million, also subject to reimbursement from FEMA Public Assistance funds and state sources.
“These contracts ensure that our community can continue recovering from Tropical Storm Helene by providing additional support for debris removal —with full reimbursement from FEMA and the State,” said Recovery Coordinator Jaime Matthews.
