ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City Council on Tuesday approved several measures tied to ongoing recovery work from Tropical Storm Helene, including major contract amendments and millions in reimbursable funding for debris removal and federal grant management.
Council members advanced three Helene-related items during their Dec. 9 meeting as the city continues long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
One measure expands Asheville’s contract with Benevate LLC, doing business as Neighborly Software, to add modules needed for managing Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery funds. Nikki Reid, the city’s community and economic development director, said strengthening the city’s grant management system is essential to maintaining “the high level of federal disaster fund management our community and recovery efforts require and deserve.”
Council also approved two debris-removal items. The first authorizes a contract with CDR Maguire Inc. to oversee debris-monitoring work connected to Helene. The $4 million budget amendment will be reimbursed through FEMA Public Assistance funds and the state.
A second debris-removal action increases Asheville’s not-to-exceed contract with Southern Disaster Recovery LLC to incorporate all previous and future spending. The amendment totals $26 million, also reimbursable through FEMA and the state.
“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,” Recovery Coordinator Jaime Matthews said in a news release.
More information is available on the city’s website and its Helene Recovery portal.