Avery County officials told the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 5 that the state awarded the county $5,000,000 through the neighborhood revitalization grant program to help build a new senior center.

County Manager credited the High Country Council of Governments with grant support and said the award was the maximum any county could receive under the program. The manager said the revitalization grant, together with FEMA funds and insurance proceeds, will be used toward construction on newly acquired property for the senior center.

In the same report, the manager listed additional grant awards and local projects supported by other grants and state funding, citing allocations for the Avery Admin Building, Little League Park, Schultz Circle Park, West Brewer Tower and Green Valley Park. The manager also highlighted departmental activity for 2025, including volunteer assistance projects totaling about $740,000 in value and 1,457 permits issued by the inspections department.

Next steps: staff will proceed with grant implementation planning and report back to the board on specific project timelines and procurement needs.