The total award, which is slightly more than the initial $\$2.4$ million figure, comes from the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ).
This state-level initiative is dedicated to helping communities rebuild the infrastructure that local small businesses rely on to operate and thrive in the wake of the storm.
The Source of the Funding
The $$2,492,801$ in grants is part of a larger, $13.8 million second round of awards announced by Governor Josh Stein's office and the NC Department of Commerce.
Program: The Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ).Administrator:
North Carolina Department of Commerce's Rural Economic Development Division (REDD).
Goal: To support long-term small business recovery by rebuilding damaged public infrastructure (water, sewer, gas, sidewalks, stormwater systems, etc.) caused by Helene. City officials, including Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, emphasized that improving access and infrastructure is vital to supporting the area’s small, independent businesses, which, in turn, bolsters the recovery and future resilience of the entire community's economy.
Key Projects to Be Funded:
The total funding is specifically allocated across three major infrastructure projects aimed at restoring the historic character of Biltmore Village while dramatically improving accessibility and flood resilience. The projects and their respective grant amounts are:
Historic Brick Sidewalk Restoration ($871,649):
Supports the restoration of approximately 3,000 square yards of historic brick sidewalks. This project is aimed at preserving the district's character and improving flood resilience.
ADA-Accessible Ramps Reconstruction ($968,622):
Supports the reconstruction of 36 ADA-accessible ramps throughout Biltmore Village to enhance pedestrian safety and access for residents, visitors, and local businesses.
Historic Curbing Replacement ($652,530):
Supports the replacement of approximately 2,231 linear feet of historic curbing. This work is critical for improving
stormwater management and restoring the district’s historic aesthetic. The grants are expected to accelerate the recovery process for the heavily impacted historic district, which serves as a major economic hub for the region. The state’s SmBIZ program continues to accept applications, with nearly $32 million in funding still available for eligible local governments.
WNCTimes
Image: City of Asheville Government