In visits to Old Fort and Asheville on Tuesday, Jan. 7, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Adrianne Todman announced $1.65 billion will go towards Helene recovery through two Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery awards.
Of the sum, $225,010,000 was awarded directly to the City of Asheville. In a press conference alongside Todman and Governor Josh Stein, Mayor Esther Manheimer said that the ~$225 million will address “critical, unmet recovery needs in infrastructure housing and economic revitalization.”
Asheville city staff will develop an action plan detailing initiatives the funding will support, with public comment taking place before plans are sent to HUD for approval. The plan will be submitted before summer this year.
