Western North Carolina is set to see significant infrastructure improvements, thanks to $14 million in funding aimed at helping small businesses recover from Hurricane Helene. This financial boost, administered by the state’s Department of Commerce, is earmarked for a variety of projects including the reconstruction of sidewalks and replacement of sewer pipes.
Infrastructure Enhancements Across Municipalities
The recent allocation of Small Business Infrastructure Grants spans nine municipalities. Key projects involve crucial sewer repairs in Maggie Valley, a new stormwater system in Spruce Pine, and a section of a new water main in Bryson City.
Asheville’s Biltmore Village will benefit significantly, receiving nearly $2.5 million for improvements like brick sidewalks, curbing, ADA-compliant ramps, and stormwater infrastructure. Kara Irani, the director of public relations for the Historic Biltmore Village Association, expressed local businesses’ excitement. “Especially for infrastructure support, this kind of funding will truly help ensure that we can continue to provide a quality experience for people visiting our area for a long time to come,” Irani shared with BPR.
Out of the total $55 million appropriated by the General Assembly and authorized by Gov. Josh Stein, nearly $32 million remains available for further infrastructure restoration efforts.
Local governments are encouraged to apply for additional funding to repair damaged infrastructure critical to small business operations. More information is available on the state Department of Commerce website here.
Details of Funded Projects
- City of Asheville:
- $871,649 for the restoration of approximately 3,000 square yards of historic brick sidewalks in Biltmore Village to enhance accessibility and flood resilience.
- $968,622 for the construction of 36 ADA-accessible ramps throughout Biltmore Village.
- $652,530 to replace about 2,231 linear feet of historic curbing in Biltmore Village for improved stormwater management.
- Buncombe County: $979,069 for the repair and reconstruction of 1.2 miles of sidewalks in Swannanoa to bolster pedestrian links to local businesses.
- Town of Black Mountain: $1 million for replacing 710 linear feet of stormwater pipe along Sutton Avenue to mitigate flood risk.
- Town of Maggie Valley:
- $928,320 for replacing the municipal sewer pipe and bridge structure along U.S. 276 over Jonathan Creek, awarded as an emergency grant on October 23, 2025.
- $626,300 for stabilization and site preparation at Jonathan Creek to protect critical sewer infrastructure, also awarded on October 23, 2025.
- City of Hendersonville:
- $850,000 for installing a 2,700-foot waterline and fire hydrants at Cane Creek Industrial Park.
- $946,000 for restoring 1,000 feet of downtown sidewalk and stormwater drainage along 7th Avenue East.
- Town of Hot Springs:
- $267,182 for replacing 300 square yards of deteriorated sidewalk and stormwater improvements along South Main Street.
- $641,238 for reconstructing Bridge Street sidewalks to restore ADA access along the Appalachian Trail corridor.
- $347,179 for sidewalk restoration and ADA upgrades along North and South Andrews Avenue.
- Town of Marshall:
- $576,467 for replacing damaged sidewalks along South Main Street’s north side for ADA compliance.
- $931,522 for reconstructing sidewalks along South Main Street’s south side with new ADA ramps and parking stalls.
- $399,446 for improving drainage and accessibility on North Main Street’s north side.
- $595,859 for replacing sidewalks on North Main Street’s south side with ADA-compliant infrastructure.
- $235,197 for replacing sidewalks and enhancing accessibility along Bridge Street.
- Town of Spruce Pine: $1 million for new stormwater infrastructure along Sycamore Alley to protect businesses and prevent property damage.
- Town of Bryson City: $1 million for a new 1,600-foot HDPE water main under the Tuckasegee River, an emergency grant awarded on September 16, 2025.
