City advances water system recovery projects and applies for FEMA/HMGP funds after Hurricane Helene
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Summary
City staff updated council July 24 on several Hurricane Helene water-recovery projects — temporary emergency pretreatment systems at North Fork and Bee Tree reservoirs, design work for permanent pretreatment systems, and Hughes Gate reconstruction — and said the city will pursue FEMA Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant funding.
City staff told council July 24 that multiple water-system recovery projects damaged during Hurricane Helene are advancing through design and procurement and will seek federal disaster reimbursement.
Assistant City Manager Ben Woody summarized the recovery portfolio: two consent items advanced temporary emergency pretreatment systems at North Fork and Bee Tree reservoirs to maintain water quality while permanent repairs are designed; three items advance design for permanent pretreatment systems; and 1 contract advances design and reconstruction of the Hughes Gate system at North Fork, which was damaged but reportedly functioned as intended during the storm. Woody said these recovery projects will pursue funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program and that “water is one of our number one recovery priorities.”
Separately, staff said the city submitted a first round of projects to the state-managed Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The first round includes nine projects that, if awarded, would total approximately $249 million in combined federal and state funds; a list of projects was attached to the council agenda materials. Woody also noted the municipal golf course front-nine restoration is under contract with a not-to-exceed design agreement of just over $1.5 million and that staff expect FEMA to reimburse that work.
Why it matters: Restoring treatment capacity and key hydraulic infrastructure is central to ensuring drinking-water reliability and community recovery; seeking FEMA and HMGP funds will determine the city’s ability to recover costs and accelerate repairs. Staff identified water-reservoir pretreatment and gate system reconstruction among top priorities.
Next steps and fiscal notes: Staff indicated they will pursue FEMA PA reimbursement for eligible costs and pursue HMGP awards for listed projects. Council received the information in the agenda briefing and did not take a formal vote on funding approvals at that meeting.