Hear local leaders discuss the future of the French Broad River

Learn all about the connections between environmental health and economic impact.

French-Broad-River

POV: You’re enjoying a day paddling down the river.

Photo by @bfitch24

$3.8 billion. That’s the annual economic impact of the French Broad River — and it’s a number that will be talked about at The French Broad River Partnership’s fifth annual meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Ferguson Auditorium at A-B Tech Community College.

The French Broad River Partnership is a collaboration between WNC nonprofits, businesses, and government leaders dedicated to improving the river’s water quality and achieving sustainable economic growth.

State and local elected officials, industry stakeholders, and representatives of the business and tourism sector will discuss the relationship of the watershed’s environmental health and economy through three panels, each followed by an audience Q+A.

Bring your burning questions because the community is invited to attend the free event — but be sure to register in advance.

More from AVLtoday
This article is being updated daily to include information shared at Buncombe County news briefings.
Many of the restaurants and bars that make up this foodie town have been damaged or rendered inoperable by lack of water or power — so here’s some help for the Asheville food and beverage workers displaced by the storm.
Although many restaurants and bars have become inoperable while we wait for water and power to come back online, a few local spots have been able to reopen their doors.
From group listening sessions to pro bono referrals to national resources, here are some ways to support your mental health as WNC recovers from the storm.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, here’s the revised plan for where you can cast your ballot during the early voting period.
No exact timeline has been provided, beyond an emphasis that restoration could be weeks away — but here’s where we stand on repairing the local waterlines.
Find community resources for food, water, shelter, cell service, and more.
6AM City is aiming to raise $20,000 for BeLoved Asheville to support recovery efforts.
During Buncombe County’s Oct. 7 briefing, Election Services director Corinne Duncan assured the community that “Buncombe County will vote,” offering information on creating a modified voting plan.
The NWS has compared the potential impacts to Asheville’s 1916 floods, urging residents along the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers to evacuate.