The Asheville City Council approved several contracts and funding measures related to Tropical Storm Helene recovery, water system improvements, housing initiatives, and other city operations at its meeting on April 28.
These actions are part of ongoing efforts to restore infrastructure damaged by the storm and ensure long-term resilience for residents. The council also addressed non-storm-related issues such as housing partnerships, lead testing in water systems, and homelessness.
Among the Helene recovery items, the council authorized a contract with Morgan Corporation for North Fork Dam repairs totaling $994,849. It also amended a professional services contract with Ardurra Group for the North Fork Transmission Main No. 3 Project to meet federal funding deadlines. Water Resources Director Bill Hart said, “This investment moves a critical water infrastructure project forward by advancing the design of a new, more resilient transmission main from our primary treatment plant.”
Stormwater repair contracts were approved at multiple sites across Asheville with engineering firms receiving over $2 million combined. Derek Wainscott, Stormwater Division Manager said, “By bringing on experienced engineering partners, we’re accelerating the design of repairs at over 50 sites across the city—prioritizing safety, resilience, and long-term reliability of our infrastructure.” Additional resolutions included applying for Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief funds and allocating $7.2 million in FEMA reimbursements for ongoing response efforts. Helene Recovery Coordinator Bridget Herring said these steps help ensure that “roads, sidewalks, and stormwater systems are rebuilt stronger and more resilient for the future.”
Other measures passed included expanding regional housing cooperation through an updated agreement allowing Mars Hill and Marshall to join the Asheville Regional Housing Consortium. Community and Economic Development Director Nikki Reid said this strengthens collaboration on affordable housing programs in line with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements.
The council also approved contracts for lead testing in household plumbing as well as service line inspections ahead of upcoming regulatory deadlines. Hart said these initiatives will allow staff “to identify potential lead areas” while maintaining compliance through 2028.
Asheville’s City Hall at 70 Court Plaza serves as its central administrative hub according to the official website. The city uses its City Plans initiative to guide sustainable growth according to the official website.
Asheville operates under a council-manager government structure where elected officials set policy while a city manager handles day-to-day operations according to the official website. Municipal services are delivered within city limits through coordination among departments like Public Works, Water Resources and Planning according to the official website.
