Buncombe Commissioners preview: From the streets to the skies

In addition to considering the county’s nonprofit funding policy, Buncombe Commissioners will hear updates from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Asheville Regional Airport when they meet May 7.

The meeting will include a public hearing on the NCDOT’s plans for secondary roads construction in Buncombe County. The latest proposal calls for spending $1.37 million on a long list of improvements. Among the biggest local projects in the works: Widening 3.62 miles of Old N.C. 20 in Leicester for a cost of $489,000 and widening 2 miles of Dogwood Rd. in Candler for a cost of $360,000.

In 2012, the Asheville Regional Airport contributed $474 million to the local economy and helped sustain 1,700 jobs, according to a powerpoint presentation scheduled to be delivered at the meeting by Lew Bleiweis, the airport’s executive director. The facility is currently served by Allegiant Air, Delta, United and U.S. Airways, offering 24 flights per day.

For more on the nonprofit policy under discussion, see Xpress’ previous story, “Are You Being Served? County Budget Woes Have Local Nonprofits Facing the Ax.”

The board will meet at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, in the commissioner’s chambers, located at 200 College Street, suite 326. A short pre-meeting review of the agenda will begin at 4:15 p.m.

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About Jake Frankel
Jake Frankel is an award-winning journalist who enjoys covering a wide range of topics, from politics and government to business, education and entertainment.

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