Immediate Release - Sept. 8, 2005 - Asheville Regional Airport Authority
AIRFARES BEGINNING AT $128* BETWEEN ASHEVILLE AND SELECT U.S. CITIES

 

Asheville Regional Airport Authority at www.flyavl.com encourages travelers to take advantage of reduced rates for September travel.

 

Special savings are now available for travel between Asheville (AVL) and select U.S. cities. Discounted airfares are always subject to change, without any advance notice – therefore, to obtain the best rate, you must book your reservations immediately to guarantee the lowest price. These rates may expire at any time – and without notice. 

 

The airfare specials noted below were found on either US Airways’ web site (www.usairways.com) or on Northwest Airlines’ web site (www.nwa.com). You should always check all airlines’ web sites and compare to find the best rate. In addition, you may want to compare rates on travel related web sites. (See www.orbitz.com or www.travelocity.com or www.expedia.com; please note, if you book on these web sites, additional booking fees will apply.) 

 

Tickets require a minimum of a 7-day advance purchase – plus, travel must be completed by October 5, 2005. These airfares won’t last long – so book today!

 

Round-trip airfares to and from Asheville (AVL) – taxes are additional* – are as follows:

 

Albany, NY  (ALB)  $128*

Boston, MA  (BOS)  $128*

Buffalo, NY  (BUF)  $128*

Burlington, Vermont (BTV)  $128*

Columbus, Ohio (CMH)  $128*

Hartford, CT  (BDL)  $128*

Indianapolis, IN  (IND)  $128*

Jacksonville, FL (JAX)  $128*

Manchester, NH  (MHT)  $128*

Newburgh/Stewart, NY (SWF)  $128*

Portland, Maine (PWM)  $128*

Providence, RI (PVD)  $128*

Rochester, NY  (ROC)  $128*

Syracuse, NY (SYR)  $128*

White Plains, NY (HPN)  $128*

Detroit, MI (DTW)  $158*

Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)  $178*

 

*Terms and Conditions

 

Travel must be complete by October 5, 2005.

 

Advance Purchase/Ticketing: Tickets must be purchased at least 7 or more days in advance (this may vary by destination). Fares shown are round-trip and round-trip purchase is required. Fares are not guaranteed until ticketed, and may change at any time, without notice.

 

Length of Stay: Most cities will have a 1 day stay requirement. Please check with the airline for any stay requirement restrictions.

 

Travel Dates: Please check with the airline for any specific restrictions.

 

Blackout Dates: Blackout dates will apply. Please check with the airline for specific blackout dates.

 

Additional Taxes/Fees: These airfares are approximate and may vary depending upon the itinerary chosen. Please check with the airline or your professional travel agent for the final airfare price, including any taxes, before you purchase. 

 

Itinerary Changes/Cancellations/Refunds: Fares are non-refundable. Itinerary changes, if permitted for the fare, may have a change fee of up to $200 USD that will vary by market, by airline, and by specific fare rule. Please check with the airline or your professional travel agent for details.

 

Other Conditions: Other restrictions and condition may apply. Please check with the airline or your professional travel agent for full disclosure of any other rules, restrictions, terms, and/or conditions.

 

Restrictions: Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights, in all markets or on all carriers. Tickets are not transferable.

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Immediate Release - Sept. 2, 2005 - LEAF ENEWS
TEMPORARY HOUSING SOUGHT FOR NEW ORLEANS EVACUEES

"LEAF in Schools & Streets" and "Tipitina's Foundation of New Orleans" have teamed up to help find temporary homes for New Orleans artists, musicians and their families. HOW CAN YOU HELP? Be a "foster family" and offer your spare room(s) to Katrina Refugees! or email hurricanesupport@theLEAF.com

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Immediate Release - Sept. 6, 2005 - Asheville Parks & Recreation Dept.
ASHEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION RESUMES REGULAR SCHEDULE

Asheville, NC - The Asheville Parks and Recreation Department will return to a regular schedule of programs and services beginning September 6 after a delay in services as part of the City of Asheville's efforts to conserve gasoline during the fuel shortage in western North Carolina that began on August 31.

All youth athletic programs, youth services, classes, community centers, other programs and facilities will begin operating on regular schedules. The adult softball games will resume on September 7.

The WNC Nature Center, Food Lion SkatePark and After School Program at Vance and Jones Elementary Schools will be open on a regular schedule. The Asheville Municipal Golf Course will operate on a regular schedule with golf carts available. For more information contact the Asheville Parks and Recreation Department at 828-259-5800.

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MAYOR WORLEY ISSUES "LABOR DAY WEEKEND" STATEMENT:

 

"As the work week comes to an end and we head into a holiday weekend, I want to first ask you to keep our fellow citizens in Louisiana and Mississippi in your thoughts. They are facing a devastating catastrophe and are in need of America's support. Governor Mike Easley yesterday encouraged North Carolina citizens to help recovery efforts by donating to the NC Helping Neighbors Fund, which is managed by the governor's office. You can also provide resources or donate blood through the Asheville Mountain Area Chapter of the Red Cross.

 

"During the week, our community has faced a fuel supply disruption caused by the effects of Hurricane Katrina on fuel pipeline infrastructure. According to the latest announcement issued by Colonial Pipeline, the company that operates the pipeline feeding suppliers in Western North Carolina, fuel capacity is expected to be restored to about 85 percent by the end of the weekend. Plantation Pipe Line Co. today reported that electricity has been restored to its pump station in Collins, Miss., giving Plantation the capability to operate at approximately 95 percent capacity. In addition, the federal government has indicated it is taking steps to help solve the problem of fuel availability.

 

"While the information we are receiving from the federal government and the fuel industry is encouraging, we still expect fuel supplies throughout the state to be inconsistent for some time. President George W. Bush, Governor Mike Easley and local officials are urging citizens to continue measures to conserve fuel. Throughout the weekend and into the next workweek, please make plans to carpool, ride share, take public transportation, walk, ride a bicycle and limit unnecessary vehicle travel.

 

"City bus service will be available to all regular routes, including trips to Black Mountain and Weaverville, all day Saturday and until 5 p.m. on Monday. Special service has been added on Labor Day to help citizens conserve fuel during the holiday. Information about Asheville Transit and bus routes can be found at www.ashevilletransit.com. You can find more information about ridesharing at www.sharetheridenc.org. You can also visit the city's website to reference a list of frequently asked questions and important phone numbers.

 

"Thank you for your efforts to help conserve fuel in our community and for your patience as we work together during this disruption. Asheville has a tremendous community spirit, and I appreciate everything you are doing to support our economy, our neighborhoods and each other. Have a safe holiday weekend."

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Buncombe and Asheville Citizens Urged to Conserve Gasoline and Remain Calm; Local Government Will Limit Its Nonessential Travel

 

Following a community meeting held jointly by city and county officials on the evening of Weds., Aug. 31, 2005, the following statement was released to the public concerning the impact of Hurrican Katrina on Western North Carolina gas pipelines and local supplies at gas stations:

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 31, 2005

Community leaders and government officials today urged citizens to conserve fuel by carpooling, ride sharing, taking public transportation and limiting vehicle travel in response to fuel supply shortages across North Carolina and other southeastern states. Officials also stressed that they were working together to ensure the delivery of public safety and health services.

Buncombe County and the city of Asheville announced yesterday that they were limiting nonessential travel in response to power outages affecting pipelines that provide fuel to suppliers in North Carolina.

"What we are experiencing here is minor in comparison to the catastrophe in Louisiana and Mississippi," said Asheville Mayor Charles Worley. "I'm confident our community will come together and support one another in conservation efforts, supporting our economy and our neighborhoods."

Other community leaders echoed the Mayor's comments and gave reports on community services:

 

* Public safety and emergency medical services: Police, fire, emergency medical, sheriff and ambulance services in the city and county have adequate fuel supplies to provide full services.

*  School systems: Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Cliff Dodson indicated that both city and county schools would be open throughout the week and next week.

* Public transportation: Asheville Transit Director Bruce Black said city bus service will be running according to its normal schedule through the end of the week. Information about bus schedules can is available at www.ashevilletransit.com. Mountain Mobility will also continue to provide transportation for citizens with critical medical needs. Information about Mountain Mobility can be found at http://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/Transportation/.

* Public health services: Buncombe County Health Director George Bond explained that community health services would continue to be available. Other nonessential services would be curtailed. Mission Hospitals Marketing and Communications Director Janet Moore said that Mission Hospitals would be open and offering full medical services. Joyce Brooks, spokeswoman for Asheville Mountain Area American Red Cross, offered full support of any community needs that arise in the coming days.

* Sanitation and utility services: City garbage collection will continue on its normal schedule. Brush and bulky item collection have been delayed. Peter Weed, spokesman for the Metropolitan Sewerage District, said that sewer services would not be impacted by the fuel shortage.

 

Vice Chairman David Gantt added to the panel's comments by saying, "This is a temporary problem. I ask the people to be patient and to treat each other with respect."

 

The city and county are encouraging employees not working in critical service areas to consider telecommuting options, using vacation time off and taking public transportation to work to support fuel conservation efforts.

Governor Mike Easley announced this afternoon that the state also would eliminate all nonessential travel by employees. Easley urged people to conserve gas through the weekend.

Further updates will be posted at www.buncombecounty.org and www.ashevillenc.gov. Today's press conference will be aired in its entirety on the Asheville Channel, Charter Cable channel 11, tonight (Weds., 8-31-05) at 8 and 10 p.m. as well as tomorrow (Thurs., 9-1-05)at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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For Immediate Release - August 31, 2005 – Asheville Parks and Recreation Dept.

ASHEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION TO OPERATE ON REDUCED SCHEDULE

Asheville, NC - The Asheville Parks and Recreation Department will begin operating on a reduced schedule beginning today, August 31 at 6 p.m. and until further notice due to the City of Asheville's efforts to limit non-essential travel to conserve fuel during the anticipated fuel shortage
in western North Carolina.

All youth and adult athletic programs, instructional classes, club meetings, and the Senior Nutrition Program will be postponed until further notice. Additional programs may be limited. Contact Asheville Parks and Recreation for an update on availability of programs.

Community Centers will operate on a limited schedule Thursday (9-1-05)  and Friday (9-2-05), but will be closed Saturday-Monday (9-3-05 to 9-5-05), and re-open on a limited schedule on September 6 until further notice.

The WNC Nature Center, the Food Lion SkatePark, and the After School Program at Vance and Jones Elementary Schools will be open on a regular schedule. The Asheville Municipal Golf Course will operate on a regular schedule but golf carts will not be available.

For more information contact the Asheville Parks and Recreation Department at 828-259-5800.

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HURRICANE KATRINA CREATES POWER LOSS THAT MAY AFFECT WNC FUEL SUPPLY

Buncombe and Asheville announce that governments will limit non-essential travel due to halt of fuel and natural gas through pipelines, according to Jerry VeHaun, director of Buncombe County emergency services, in a prepared statement.

August 30, 2005 - JOINT PRESS RELEASE - Buncombe County & City of Asheville:

According to information from the North Carolina State Emergency Management Division, fuel and natural gas pipelines in Mississippi and Louisiana have lost power as a result of Hurricane Katrina. These lines provide fuel to suppliers in Western North Carolina.

 

Officials estimate that power may be restored in about 24-48 hours. However, crews are continuing to evaluate the pipelines for damage from the storm. Additional information on the status of repairs is expected to be available tomorrow.

 

Until further updates are available, Buncombe County and the City of Asheville will limit non-essential travel that does not impact public safety and health services. City and county governments are working with other critical organizations to ensure delivery of essential community services.

 

Emergency response officials are encouraging citizens not to react to the power outage until further information is available. Additional updates will be posted at www.buncombecounty.org and www.ashevillenc.gov.

 

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MORE ABOUT HURRICANE KATRINA...
n EVERYTHING NEW ORLEANS: http://www.nola.com/
n HOW TO HELP VICTIMS: http://www.redcross.org/
n LOCAL RED CROSS: http://www.ashevillemountainredcross.org/
n NASA IMAGES: Click here

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August 29, 2005 - City of Asheville - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CITY ISSUES WEATHER ALERT FOR MON. NIGHT THROUGH WEDS.

 

According to information from the National Weather Service (www.nws.noaa.gov), the Asheville area is projected to receive up to three inches of rain between tonight and Wednesday as Hurricane Katrina continues to move north.

 

The Law Engineering study, which serves as the North Fork Reservoir's operating guide, establishes that water should be released from the lake when six or more inches of rain is forecast for a 24-hour period. Based on the current projected rainfall amounts, additional water from the lake will not be released at this time.

 

The city gradually began releasing water from the reservoir on Friday when predictions called for eight inches of rain between Monday and Tuesday. By Saturday, rainfall projections dropped to two inches, and the city stopped releasing water from the reservoir. At that time, the lake level was down approximately 3.5 feet from the spillway.

 

City officials and emergency response teams are continuing to watch Katrina closely in case of any change in the forecast that would impact reservoir operations.

City crews have been inspecting and cleaning storm drains throughout the day. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood for parts of western North Carolina until Wednesday. Emergency response officials are urging citizens to avoid all streets with standing water and are cautioning drivers not to drive around barricades in roadways.

 

"If we experience flash flooding on a street, barriers are there to ensure public safety," explained Asheville Fire-Rescue Chief Greg Grayson. "Ignoring barricades can place drivers and public safety personnel in dangerous situations."

For more weather-related information, visit the links below:

 

NOAA Storm Tracker:
http://www.stormtracker.noaa.gov/stormtracker-katrina.htm
 

Flash Flood tips from the Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_585_,00.html

 

French Broad River levels at Asheville: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/FRENCH_BROAD-LITTLE_TENNESSEE_BASINS/AVLN7.shtml

 

Swannanoa River levels at Biltmore: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/FRENCH_BROAD-LITTLE_TENNESSEE_BASINS/BLTN7.shtml

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