Board tweaks CDBG application; staff announces $267,000 EDA award and EMS director posting

Nick told the board the CDBG community revitalization project had been scaled back to keep the application within the program's maximum funding amount. The amendment removes the segment connecting Patty to downtown West Jefferson and leverages an existing utility easement to reduce costs. "The due date for the application is tomorrow," Nick said, and staff moved to adopt the amended plan to ensure timely submission.

In separate announcements, County Manager Adam Stump said the board approved advertising for an EMS director position (the posting will run roughly 45 days). Nick also told the board the county had been awarded a $267,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration for Helene recovery funding to support design, permitting and engineering for future industrial-park buildings, and that the governor announced the award last week.