FEMA commits $4M for new maintenance facility at Catawba Meadows Park

On Monday, Congressman Tim Moore announced that more than $4 million in FEMA funding has been obligated for repairs at Morganton’s Catawba Meadows Park.

Moore, who represents the 14th Congressional District, which includes Burke County, announced that the funds, totaling $4,063,203.21 in funding from FEMA, will help restore and replace the two maintenance buildings that were destroyed during Hurricane Helene.

While $4 million may seem like a lot, Assistant City Manager Rob Winkler said that the two maintenance buildings previously at the park were about 5,000-6,000 square feet total, and they will now be replaced by one facility.

The project is currently in the design phase, but the new building will be built outside of the floodplain with more resilient materials, Winkler said. What’s remaining of the two former buildings must be demolished and the area will have to be excavated. The $4 million will help cover those costs.

The exact cost of the project is still to be determined, but according to Moore’s office, the project’s price tag is expected to be around $4.5 million. Winkler said the city will know the true cost when they receive bids from contractors. City staff are planning to present bids to the city council in March, he said.

If the cost exceeds the amount that’s awarded, he said city staff will either negotiate with the contractor to bring costs down, or go back to the drawing board for a less expensive design. If the project cost comes is the $4 million being awarded, Winkler said the remaining funds will likely go toward other repairs at Catawba Meadows Park such as the field restoration that’s still ahead.

The city is expected to be awarded the funds as soon as final processing is completed, Winkler said, adding that it could be six to eight weeks before receival.

Winkler said that the city is looking forward to getting a new space for its Parks and Recreation Department employees to work.

“The Catawba Meadows Park is a beautiful park located along the Catawba River that serves as an important part of the community,” Moore said in his press statement. “I’m grateful to the Trump Administration and FEMA for stepping up with the funding of this restoration. This project will support local community events and marks another important step in rebuilding Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.”

Moore’s team added that FEMA Public Assistance grants to the region’s communities have now surpassed $1 billion.