The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting on August 19, 2025, focused on critical updates regarding engineering studies and recovery plans related to recent landslides affecting the area.

During the meeting, officials reported on the progress of engineering studies for two significant landslide sites: one at 4040 McCormick Place and another at Grovemont. A vendor has been selected for the McCormick site, with a signed contract in place. The engineering study is expected to take approximately 90 days to complete. For individual properties impacted by landslides, 31 households have applied for assistance through the state's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

The FEMA task force has assessed 55 large slides, providing architectural and engineering cost estimates for 39 of them, totaling over $9 million. A vendor has also been chosen for the Grovemont engineering study, with hopes to finalize the contract by early fall. The North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) has agreed to cover 75% of the estimated costs for the engineering study, with the remaining balance due upon completion.

Commissioners discussed the process for stabilizing the affected slopes, emphasizing that the engineering study is the first step. Once completed, the study will outline stabilization recommendations and associated costs, which will then be submitted to FEMA for funding approval.

The meeting also touched on the broader context of the Helene recovery plan, which aims to address the impacts of recent disasters in collaboration with local governments, including the city of Asheville and surrounding towns. This plan is designed to reflect the specific responsibilities of Buncombe County and its municipalities.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the county's proactive approach to managing the aftermath of landslides and the collaborative efforts underway to secure funding and implement recovery strategies. The next steps will depend on the completion of the engineering studies and subsequent approvals from FEMA.