Black Mountain council hears detailed recovery update as FEMA reimbursements, Hilltop stabilization and dog park repairs advance

The Black Mountain Town Council received a comprehensive recovery update from town staff on March 11, 2025, outlining the status of FEMA reimbursements, road and bridge stabilization, parks repairs and temporary town facilities.

Town staffer Jessica Trotman said the town’s primary recovery funding source is FEMA Public Assistance, which is mainly reimbursement-based, and listed other financing options including a DEQ loan for water-system engineering, a state cash-flow loan, insurance proceeds, fund balance and philanthropic support. “It’s all about funding,” Trotman said during the presentation.

Trotman told council members temporary road repairs and emergency water-distribution fixes are complete and that debris removal for right-of-way is scheduled to conclude April 1. She said a separate FEMA expedited project of about $880,000 has been partially received and work is underway to submit paperwork to receive the remaining funds.

The council…