Buncombe County Board Authorizes Acceptance of Federal Funding for Workforce Training and Innovation Center
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has authorized the County Manager to accept an economic development award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) FY2025 Disaster Supplemental program. This funding, awarded to lead recipient Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (AB Tech) and co-recipient Buncombe County Government, will be used to develop the WNC Futures Factory. This new 70,000-square-foot workforce training and innovation center aims to support regional recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. The initiative focuses on boosting economic opportunities, reskilling the local workforce, and repositioning the area’s manufacturing base. The project is a collaborative effort, relying on partnerships with universities, community colleges, and various industry partners. A 60-day special condition period will commence once the County Manager signs the Acknowledgment of Funds, during which funds cannot be spent until a 13.18-acre parcel is transferred from Biltmore Farms... 
