In a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing recovery efforts following severe weather that impacted the region, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by local businesses and public services.

Public works staff have been actively assisting Haywood Electric with outage management and supporting emergency services in recovery operations, including debris removal in search efforts along local waterways. The team is also working on redirecting stream beds to facilitate bridge reconstruction. The landfill has resumed operations, although officials noted that garbage collection is still catching up due to increased waste following the storm.

Local business owners expressed urgent concerns about the impact of travel advisories discouraging visitors from coming to Waynesville. Anne Walsh, a small business owner, highlighted a significant drop in customer traffic, reporting a 44% decrease in sales during what is typically the busiest month of the year. She urged the council to lift travel advisories to support local businesses struggling to recover.

Other business owners echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a swift return to normalcy to avoid further financial strain. They requested reconsideration of special event permit policies to allow for quicker approvals of events that could draw visitors back to the area.

The meeting also featured input from representatives of the Red Cross, who outlined their ongoing support for disaster recovery efforts, including shelter services and mental health support for affected residents. They emphasized the importance of collaboration with local government and community organizations to ensure effective recovery.

As the meeting concluded, officials acknowledged the need for proactive measures to enhance flood resilience in future infrastructure projects, recognizing the likelihood of similar weather events in the future. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing the community while addressing the immediate needs of residents and businesses.