Flat Creek Crossing group to seek Helene Recovery Fund grant after reported bank damage

Jean Norris, of the Flat Creek Crossing Steering Committee, told the Board of Commissioners during the public forum that the group is preparing a grant application for the Helene Recovery Fund and will file it by Jan. 30.

"They had recently walked the site and identified significant bank damage that requires repair, restoration, and rebuilding," Norris said, noting the damage extends beyond the committee's original scope, particularly near the town maintenance facility and on the Mountain Retreat Association side where "a tree is hanging with exposed roots." She said the committee will work with Town Manager Savannah Parrish, Public Works Director Barry Creasman, Mountain Retreat Association representatives and their attorney to prepare the proposal, and that the grant requires a 1:1 match. Norris said the group had not yet determined the amount it will request.

The application will be submitted to the North Carolina State Parks and Recreation Trust Fund's Helene Recovery Fund, which Norris said follows PARTF rules with modifications for hurricane recovery. The Steering Committee presented the site findings and the planned coordination with town staff as the next step toward formalizing the application.

Board action on the application itself was not recorded during the public forum; Norris asked only that the Board be aware of the effort and the partners involved. The Town Manager and Public Works staff were identified as the town contacts for any required technical or administrative support as the group finalizes the grant packet.

The public forum adjourned at the end of the comment period; the regular meeting convened at 6:00 p.m.