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BRCC seeks to move Facilities Building out of floodplain; water, sewer and parking costs cited as constraints

Joint College Facility Committee (Henderson County Board of Commissioners and Blue Ridge Community College Board of Trustees) · March 1, 2026

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Summary

Blue Ridge Community College told the Henderson County joint committee it plans to relocate its Facilities Building to higher ground after flood damage, but campus expansion at the Llama Farm site depends on extending water and sewer service and addressing parking costs estimated at $3,000–$5,000 per space.

Blue Ridge Community College officials told the Henderson County and BRCC joint committee on Feb. 27 that the college plans to relocate its Facilities Building to higher ground to remove it from the floodplain after flood damage.

Dr. Chad Merrill, BRCC executive vice president, said the college's objective is to "relocate the Facilities Building higher on the property and out of the floodplain," noting the current facilities building "was completely underwater during flooding caused by Hurricane Helene." That relocation, he said, is central to the college's longer-term facility plan.

College and county staff identified utilities as a gating issue for development at the Llama Farm site. Will Buie explained the locations of existing water lines and said there is no sewer service at the Llama Farm site. "The college cannot construct additional buildings until water and sewer lines are extended," Dr. Laura Leatherwood said for the record.

Committee members and staff also discussed parking costs: the estimated expense to provide parking was about $3,000–$5,000 per space. Staff raised and then dismissed the idea of using the floodplain for parking, with Buie saying doing so would not be cost-effective.

Discussion touched on potential funding avenues: the county's current Tier Two status was noted as a possible opportunity to pursue grants or other financial assistance to support infrastructure extensions. Committee members flagged funding as a major constraint but did not take any binding vote or direct staff to start a funding application during the meeting.

The committee approved prior minutes and continued its review of BRCC plans before adjourning at 2:23 p.m.