The proposed passenger rail line is one of seven projects currently in the planning phase.

The projects were among those highlighted Monday at the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Year Ahead event.

The town expects the wave to officially open this summer and is hoping for a boom in new tourist dollars.

As of the end of 2025, more than 97% of the state-maintained roads damaged by Helene have reopened. Residents who live near the remaining 3% are still waiting for repairs.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson said North Carolina will “get back the $17 million that Congress promised.”

Nearly five-dozen water and septic system projects in 26 western counties will receive funding through the state Department of Environmental Quality.

The county’s unemployment rate was 3.7% in September. But the leisure and hospitality industry is still struggling.