In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene's destruction, U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole visited Asheville's River Arts District to assess the damage and discuss ways to bring federal aid to the region. The storm's floodwaters had ravaged the vibrant community, leaving business owners and local leaders grappling with the immense task of recovery.

Restoring the Artistic Heartbeat of Asheville

Surveying the Damage, Seeking Solutions

As they walked through the debris-strewn streets of the River Arts District, Representative Edwards and Chairman Cole witnessed firsthand the extent of the devastation. Brent Starck, a primary property owner in the area, recounted the harrowing experience of watching the French Broad River overflow its banks, sending floodwaters surging through the buildings that once bustled with thousands of visitors. The stains on the walls, reaching nearly to the ceiling, were a stark reminder of the flood's intensity.Confronted by the sheer scale of the destruction, Chairman Cole expressed his concern, calling the situation "staggering." He recognized the unique synergy that had once existed among the district's diverse array of artists and businesses, and the challenge of rebuilding that vibrant community one building at a time.

Expediting Federal Assistance

Representative Edwards, a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the limitations of existing disaster relief programs, noting that many are not yet funded and can be slow to deliver much-needed aid. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, he stated, "We need money here now."To address this, Edwards is working on a supplemental funding bill aimed at channeling resources directly to locally-led organizations that have been on the ground, spearheading the recovery efforts. One such organization he highlighted is the Appalachian Regional Commission, a partnership between the federal government and 13 state governments, focused on economic development in the Appalachian region.Edwards expressed his trust in the local community's ability to understand and address the region's unique needs, saying, "I trust folks here locally far more than I do folks in Washington D.C." This sentiment underscores the importance of empowering local leaders and organizations in the rebuilding process.

Coordinating a Comprehensive Recovery Plan

Chairman Cole acknowledged that the path forward would become clearer in the coming weeks, as the Appropriations Committee awaits a formal request for disaster relief from the Biden Administration. Once the request is made, the committee will determine the appropriate level of funding, the distribution channels, and explore any additional programs that could expedite the recovery process.Emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach, Cole stressed the importance of local and state governments developing a clear understanding of the full scope of the storm's impact. This, he said, would be crucial in crafting a robust and sustainable recovery plan for the long term.Asheville City Councilperson Maggie Ullman, who accompanied the officials during their tour, expressed gratitude for the visit and the opportunity to highlight the region's pressing needs. She acknowledged the growing frequency of such natural disasters, underscoring the importance of securing the necessary federal support to help communities like Asheville bounce back stronger than ever.As the leaders departed, the weight of the task ahead was palpable, but so too was the determination to rebuild the heart of Asheville's vibrant arts community, one step at a time.