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Long-term recovery group and county report major grants, community support and request for memorials following storm response
Summary
Members of the Avery Long Term Recovery Group told commissioners they had secured a multi-county Red Cross grant and other funding flows, offered to partner on a community memorial for storm victims, and the county manager reported FEMA assistance and ongoing recovery supports.
During the public comment period at the July 7 meeting, residents and representatives of the Avery Long Term Recovery Group updated the Avery County Board of Commissioners on recovery efforts from recent storms and asked the county to consider a community memorial and recognition for local volunteers and first responders.
A public commenter suggested a memorial or candlelight vigil on the courthouse square to honor victims of recent storms and to recognize local rescue efforts. The commenter said local people with heavy equipment, tractors and off-road vehicles provided much of the immediate response in the days after the disaster and asked the board to consider a public event.
Kevin (last name not given), speaking for the Avery Long Term Recovery Group, told commissioners the group had partnered with Mitchell and Yancey counties and, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, received an approximately $3,000,000 award (about $1,000,000 designated to each county). He said the group also had an award from NC VOAD and expected both funding streams to begin flowing to the county by August. The group asked the county to let them know if anyone intended to apply for the state private roads and bridges grant (due July 16) so they could help support applications. The group also runs a weekly unmet-needs table and announced a Back-to-School Bash scheduled for July 31 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the high school.
County staff provided related updates. The county manager reported that, as of June 30, FEMA and federal assistance had provided help to 2,876 families or individuals in the county, totaling $16,070,431 in assistance. The manager noted other nonprofit and foundation donors and thanked volunteer groups aiding recovery. County staff said representatives from a community development block grant program (referred to as NC Renew) would be available at the Mainland Avery campus to assist hurricane victims with eligibility and the application process.
The board received the comments and the Long Term Recovery Group offered to partner with the county on memorial planning and other recovery activities.
Ending: Commissioners accepted the updates and asked staff to continue coordinating with recovery partners; the board did not make a formal decision on a memorial but acknowledged public interest in holding an event.
