U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Assessing Infrastructure,  Helene Recovery Updates

Buncombe County  -- October 13, 2024: Buncombe County Press Release: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has

deployed subject matter experts in debris management, temporary power, temporary water and infrastructure assessment to assist FEMA in coordinated efforts to impacted areas.

"Throughout the response efforts, USACE's number one priority is life, health, and safety of all who are affected by Hurricane Helene," said USACE Public Affairs Director Dave Connolly. USACE has assisted FEMA in delivery of 18 generators. Over 10 million cubic yards (equal to 1 million dump trucks) have been identified as debris as a result of Helene. A total of 287 preliminary water and wastewater assessments have been completed across the impacted areas of North Carolina. Ongoing efforts continue as USACE works with FEMA throughout impacted areas.

Nonprofit Support in Swannanoa, Black Mountain, and Fairview

Ali Casparian Founder and Executive Director of Bounty & Soul, is working with area businesses, organizations like World Central Kitchen, and Hearts with Hands to provide hot meals, fresh food, and essential household supplies and equipment to hard-hit areas of Swannanoa Valley. Bounty & Soul is also working to support farmers who have been impacted by the storm.

Sunday locations:

· Bounty & Soul Latino location (216 Whitson Ave, Swannanoa) @ 1 p.m.

· Swannanoa Library (101 W. Charleston Ave) @1 p.m.
· Bee Tree (372 Bee Tree Rd, Swannanoa) @2:30 p.m.
· Lytle Cove (220 Lytle Cove Rd, Swannanoa) @2 p.m.
· Tierra Fertil Farm (74 Bagwell Mill Rd) @2 p.m.
· Jasper Apartments (234 Habibi Ln, Swannanoa) @4 p.m.
· East Haven (2244 US-70, Swannanoa) @4:45 p.m.
· Forest Hills (3 Dustin Dr, Swannanoa) @5 p.m.
These locations are changing daily based on needs. For more information on how to help or receive assistance, go to www.Bountyandsoul.org or call 828-419-0533. Bounty and Soul is also accepting donations of blankets, coats, and other supplies to help survivors as temperatures get colder.

Water Update

A few reminders as water is being restored:
· Water contains sediment but is highly chlorinated to provide as much disinfection as possible.
· Boil water notice is in effect – boil vigorously for at least one minute
· You can use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth
· Turn off ice makers
· Close valve to hot water heater to prevent sediment from accumulating, open inlet once water is restored
· Pour any discolored water through your bathtub 

Power Update

As of this morning, there are 18,000 Duke Power customers without power. 

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners 

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled October 15 meeting will be held fully remote. The meeting can be watched live on the County Facebook page at www.facebook.com/buncombegov. 

Food and Water Distribution Sites

The Sand Hill Elementary distribution site is being relocated to Buncombe County Sports Park, which is in the same driveway as the Sand Hill location at 58 Apac Drive in Asheville. Other water distribution sites include: William W. Estes Elementary School, North Windy Ridge Intermediate School, Fairview Elementary School, Black Mountain Ingles, Leicester Elementary School, Asheville Middle School, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, Pack Square Park, Lucy Herring Elementary School, and Oakley Elementary.

Shelters

Space is available at all shelters.
· AB Tech Conference Center: 16 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville
· Medical Emergency Shelter: 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville (medical equipment required)
· Former Gold’s Gym (Novant Health): 1815 Hendersonville Road, Asheville (family friendly)
· WNC Ag Center: 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher (pet friendly)

Farm Business Grants

Farm businesses with damages directly related to Hurricane Helene are eligible to apply for the WNC Communities’ Immediate Disaster Needs grant program. Farm businesses with damages directly related to Tropical Storm Helene are eligible. This grant is meant to provide resources quickly for farms with urgent needs that impact the ability to get the farm business back in operation as soon as possible. Go to wnccommunities.org or please email: grants@wnccommunities.org or grants@wnccommunities.org.

Medical Center Updates 

Novant Health has a community care cruiser on-site at AC Reynolds High School at 1 Rocket Drive from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., available daily at this location. They offer urgent care services, including connections to obstetric and pediatric care, as well as a mobile pharmacy. These medical resources will be available to all patients at no cost. Also located at AC Reynolds: a community care station where people can use laundry, shower, and Disaster Recovery Center with FEMA and SBA assistance.

The community care station in Swannanoa is open and running today until 7 p.m.
Mercy Urgent Care clinic in East Asheville, located at 1272 Tunnel Road, will reopen  Sunday, October 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other Mercy locations that have reopened include South Asheville, Weaverville and West Asheville.

Solid Waste:

Today our transfer station at Hominy Creek is open until 1 p.m. for bagged household trash, and the landfill is open until 3 p.m.

City of Asheville will resume trash and recycling collection on its regular schedule beginning Monday. WastePro will resume recycling on Monday. Residents should place both bins out.

View the daily 11 a.m. community briefings at www.facebook.com/buncombegov. Sign up for text message and email alerts at www.buncombecounty.org/codered or by texting BCAlert to 99411.