Board authorizes $12.4M in internal loans to front winter 2023 road repairs

The Board received a detailed update from the Department of Public Works on May 14 about recovery from the Winter 2023 storms and approved a staff request to increase appropriations, funded by internal loans totaling $12,383,000, to keep repair projects moving while federal reimbursement requests are processed.

Public Works’ storm‑recovery team summarized work completed and outstanding. Transportation Division Manager Joshua Roberts said crews completed debris removal and emergency openings at hundreds of locations and have finished permanent repairs on 96 FEMA sites; the county still has approximately 166 larger FEMA/FHWA sites that require full permitting and project authorization before construction.

Roberts and supervising engineer Garrett McElvaney warned that certain crossings and bridges sit in complex floodplains where design and permitting will be lengthy. John Waddell (Public Works) said some projects, notably Chimney Rock Road, could cost tens of millions of dollars and are eligible for mitigation or Federal Highway Administration funding, but timing is uncertain.

Public Works reviewed expenses already incurred (about $17.5 million through close of FY 2022–23) and projected continued spending in FY 2023–24 and FY 2024–25 as the team completes work and advances projects to construction. Staff said the county has pursued bridge and capital work to make permanent repairs while documenting costs for FEMA and FHWA reimbursement.

Because reimbursements can be slow, the department requested and the board authorized the internal loan package to ensure cash flow. The board approved the staff recommendation by roll call after public discussion and expressions of appreciation from supervisors for crews’ work in remote areas.

Joshua Roberts said staff expect to continue to refine forecasts and to report back to the board as FEMA/FHWA claims move through federal review.