The Western Office of the N.C. Redevelopment Center in the Asheville Office Park is now open and will assist local government officials in identifying funding needs for citizens in storm-ravaged counties who need state assistance.

The office will also assist local governments in implementing flood recovery programs by briefing local elected officials and administrators, maintaining regular contact with each local government to assist in any problem that might arise, and hearing appeals from victims who disagree with local government rulings on their applications.

In December Gov. Mike Easley appointed David Kelly, a former secretary of the Dept. of Crime Control and Public Safety, to work with the counties to coordinate recovery. From 2001 to 2004, Kelly oversaw the N.C. Redevelopment Center operations that were established following Hurricane Floyd in 1999. In addition to Kelly, Jewell Wilson and Theresa Colletta will be working on recovery efforts in the western office. Wilson is an AdvantageWest board member and Asheville native. She will be meeting with county officials to discuss recovery efforts. Colletta will serve as the office administrative assistant.

The office is located at 31 College Place, Suite 109-A, in Asheville. The phone number is 828.250.3822.