Buncombe County -- September 1, 2026: Buncombe County Commissioners are set to consider three critical grant applications Tuesday, a move that could unlock up to $15 million per project in state-managed Helene recovery funds for vital local projects. These funds are earmarked for restoring damaged parks, expanding affordable housing options, and enhancing emergency power infrastructure across the county, with the state application deadline set for September 16, 2026.
The upcoming vote by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is a key step in the county's strategy to secure Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG‑DR) Infrastructure funding. County Helene Recovery and Economic Development staff, including grants manager Tyler Henry, have outlined these proposals, presenting them as the county’s top priorities for this competitive state-managed, federally funded program. Henry noted in an August 18 briefing that these projects are in the "best position" to receive the maximum available allocation.
One proposed project focuses on Buncombe County Parks Recovery & Resilience. This initiative aims to rebuild county parks, specifically Owen, Alexander, and Lake Julian, which sustained damage from Tropical Storm Helene. The goal is to restore services to pre-Helene levels, implement ecological restoration like stabilizing shorelines and improving drainage, and enhance overall accessibility and resilience for future community use.
Another significant application targets the Ferry Road Affordable Housing Infrastructure. This project would fund essential road and utility improvements on Ferry Road and Dry Ferry Road, paving the way for the development of the planned 645-unit Ferry Road Affordable Housing Community. This infrastructure is crucial given that Tropical Storm Helene damaged or destroyed 6,505 rental housing units in Buncombe County, exacerbating an existing affordability crisis.
The third project, Community Resilience at County‑Owned Facilities, seeks to install permanent power redundancy systems at critical county facilities. This includes generators, controllers, and battery energy storage systems, along with related facility improvements. The objective is to maintain essential operations during future extreme weather events, ensuring residents can access critical services and shelter during disasters by reducing vulnerability to grid outages.
For local residents, the commissioners' decision on Tuesday carries immediate implications. Park users stand to benefit from restored and more resilient recreational spaces. Future residents of the Ferry Road development would gain access to much-needed affordable housing. Furthermore, all residents relying on county facilities for emergency services and shelter would benefit from enhanced power reliability during crises. This vote is crucial as the county works to finalize its submissions ahead of the official September 16 deadline for these vital recovery funds.B