Lake Lure Storm Recovery and Town Updates for Friday, 4/18/25  

Governor Josh Stein

Please take a moment to review the Lake Lure Storm Recovery and Town Updates for Friday, 4/18/25.    

IN THE NEWS

  • Governor Stein On FEMA Decision To Deny North Carolina’s Request For 100 Percent Match Extension: Governor Josh Stein released the following statement on FEMA’s decision to deny North Carolina’s request for an extension on the 100 percent match for Helene disaster recovery.  "Today, I learned that FEMA refused our request to extend its 100% reimbursement period for another 180 days. I got this news while I was in Newland with families who lost their homes in the storm. The need in western North Carolina remains immense — people need debris removed, homes rebuilt, and roads restored. I am extremely disappointed and urge the President to reconsider FEMA’s bad decision, even for 90 days. Six months later, the people of western North Carolina are working hard to get back on their feet; they need FEMA to help them get the job done." https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/04/11/governor-stein-fe...

  • FEMA Denies North Carolina's Request For Extended Disaster Cost-Share Waiver, by Zola Sigmon, Sat, April 12th 2025 at 4:15 PM, Updated Mon, April 14th 2025 at 6:36 PM. (WLOS) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has released a statement regarding FEMA's decision to deny the state's request for an extension on the 100% cost match for recovery from Hurricane Helene on April 11. This decision follows the governor's request for an extension of the cost-share waiver under major disaster declaration FEMA-4827-DR, which was declared on Sept. 28, 2024. However, on Monday, April 14, Gov. Stein confirmed that he plans to appeal FEMA's denial. "North Carolina was granted 30 days to appeal FEMA's decision to deny our request to extend the 100% reimbursement match. The Governor's Office has every intention of appealing this decision. More information will be released in the coming days," Gov. Stein's office told News 13.

WATCH: GOV. STEIN OUTLINES HELENE RECOVERY PROGRESS

Major General Kelly Channel 7

  • Recovery Crews Shift Focus To Remove Submerged Helene Debris In Lake Lure, by: Kelci O'Donnell, Posted: Apr 16, 2025 / 10:42 PM EDT, View video at the following link:https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/recovery-crews-shift-focus-to-remove-submerged-helene-debris-in-lake-lure/  LAKE LURE, N.C. (WSPA) — In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Town of Lake Lure has become the stage for one of the largest disaster recovery missions in the state. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) gave 7NEWS an inside look at the ongoing mission to remove debris from one of the region’s most scenic and impacted waterways. It’s been almost 200 days since Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina. Since then, the USACE has led a massive recovery effort across 16 counties, including Rutherford County, where Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are located. It’s an area where scenic trails and calm waters once welcomed visitors. The aftermath of the storm left a much different scene. More than six months have passed, and tree limbs can still be found mangled in splintered docks, and shorelines are buried beneath layers of sand and sediment. “The water that came down, 28-foot high water, pretty much wiping out Chimney Rock, North Carolina which ended up here in our lake in Lake Lure devastating the infrastructure. So, we were very much on our heels from day one,” said David DiOrio, Mayor Pro-Tem of Lake Lure. “Right after that, we started seeing elements of the army show up to help.” USACE said they’ve completed nearly all of its assigned Right of Way mission clearing roads and surfaces. They’ve accounted for more than 1.99 million cubic yards of debris removal in that area alone – equivalent to nearly 46,000 shipping containers. After months of work clearing roads and surfaces, crews said they’ve now transitioned to a new phase of recovery — removing debris from beneath the deepest parts of Lake Lure. “This is where we’re doing a lot of the deeper water removal out here on the lake. A lot of the sand, silt, and sediment and stuff came in from off the Chimney Rock side,” said George Minges, lead debris subject matter expert with USACE. “We’ll be working throughout the lake as we do that over the next few months.” “We have a few pieces of equipment out here. We have the dozers, we have these haul trucks that are being filled with sediment below the Flowering Bridge,” said Josh Tutt, Polk County & Lake Lure Quality Assurance Supervisor with USACE. “Once they fill them with sediment, they haul all the dirt to the dry piles so they can be taken care of. We let it sit for 24 hours to dry out and then transport it out.” Tutt was part of an extensive, federally-funded mission involving the USACE in Rutherford County, along with other state and local partners. The cleanup tapped into national resources with heavy machinery deployed in remote and mountainous areas to access hard-to-reach debris fields. “What we’re doing here, under FEMA’s authority, we’re helping people. And we’re not going anywhere,” said Maj. Gen. Jason Kelly, deputy commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations with USACE. “We’ve set some target dates for competition. One of my tasks from D.C. as the deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations is to ensure that we stay on task.” Military leaders said they’ve removed more than 4 million cubic yards of hurricane-related debris across the named disaster areas in western North Carolina. It’s an amount that operational leaders expect to climb. “As a 31-year veteran, I am used to playing the away game. So often that I am forward in some other country doing it for those back home, but here, we’re serving America in America,” said Maj. Gen. Kelly. Crews said the work will likely last for several more months to cleanup and rebuild an area that has been completely remapped by devastating floods, landslides, and widespread infrastructure damage following Hurricane Helene. “There are some large logs and various other materials that have basically been impaled into the bottom of the lake. There are still areas that you cannot safely traverse or use as a recreant here on the lake whether you are out on a canoe or whether you are in a boat,” said Col. Brad Morgan, USACE. “We’ve got to get that stuff removed so that’s no longer a hazard.” As recovery efforts continue, residents are urged to stay clear of cleanup zones and to follow local guidelines for debris sorting and placement. A recovery effort of this scale is a reminder of the coordination and resilience it takes to rebuild — one yard of debris at a time. “There’s so much to be proud of. To see the resilience, to witness the inspiration of others committed to recovery. I was able to see recreation here before the storm and to now see the work that needs to be done to be on track,” said Maj. Gen. Kelly. “Our goal is to get the blood flowing back into our community and that is getting our Chimney Rock State Park opened, which is right up the road here and opening up the lake; getting Lake Lure healthy again,” said DiOrio. “Safe water and navigable water open to recreational water sports is really the heartbeat of the community. So once we get that debris out, there is no longer a threat to having a potentially hazardous situation and then all the waters will be opened up again. We’re hoping for the best.” Mayor Pro Tem DiOrio said officials are confident the lake will be ready for recreational use by next summer. In the meantime, local shops are open for business.

041625 Debris removal Gerard Albert III

  • ‘A Tough Mission:’ Clearing Debris From Lake Lure Ongoing. BPR News | By Gerard Albert III, Published April 17, 2025 at 5:29 PM EDT https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2025-04-17/a-tough-mission-clearing-debris-from-lake-lure-ongoing#:~:text=%E2%80%98A%20tough%20mission,29%20PM%20EDT: Removal of debris Hurricane Helene buried in the deepest parts of Lake Lure began this week, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The agency has worked to clear debris throughout western North Carolina for more than 200 days, and this week moved from removing debris on the surface of Lake Lure to debris that sank to the bottom. Colonel Brad Morgan who leads the U.S. Army Corps Wilmington District guided reporters around the shores of Lake Lure, which are now caked with muck being pulled from the water. His team pulled items like logs, tree limbs and trunks, construction and demolition material as well as golf carts and home appliances from the lake. “ Our focus initially was on removing a lot of the floating debris,” he said. “We've largely finished the surface debris removal operation here within the lake…so we've started going deeper, pulling additional submerged debris.” Morgan estimated one million cubic yards of debris will be removed from the lake before the project is completed – that’s about 300 Olympic-sized swimming pools. He said that work should be done by the end of the summer. Morgan was joined by Major General Jason E. Kelly, the deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations. He said the mission is made more difficult by the steep terrain of the area. “ As I moved around here, I was able to travel switchbacks and I think about the difficulty of placing a dump truck in reverse,” he said. “And you're seeing that on this site, the terrain here is very, very difficult…It's a tough mission. We're gonna do it safely, we're gonna do it right, and we're gonna do it as expeditiously as we most certainly can.” The town of Lake Lure relied heavily on the tourism from recreation on the lake. While town officials stressed that the area is open for business, Mayor Pro Tem Dave DiOrio knew it would take time to get visitors back. “For this year, we're kind of resigned to the fact that we're gonna be in a recovery mode,” he said. “We have limited access going on, but we're comfortable with next year that we'll be fully open with a lake that's even better.”

Col Kelly and Dave DiOrio

WHKY Debris Update​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​041125 Carol Pritchett on News Panel

MEETINGS

  • University of Chicago: Mayor Pritchett served as a guest panelist at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.  The goal of this panel discussion was to look at the long- and short-term practical needs around disaster, the roots of the politicization of disaster, and the way forward for the country, especially as the number of these disasters increase. You may view the panel discussion at the following link: https://youtu.be/LE0YEkJS7-E

​​​​​​​041525 Carol Pritchett University of Chicago Institute of Politics​​​​​​​

  • US Army Corps of Engineers Meeting: Mayor Pro Tem Dave DiOrio met with Major General Colonel Brad Morgan to discuss the ongoing work to restore Lake Lure.  own Officials met with the Citizens Times for an upcoming article on the state of Lake Lure’s recovery.
  • Business Funding Meeting: The Town hosted a meeting with Mountain BizWorks to provide information and education for local business owners on funding opportunities.

  • Debris Removal Meeting: Town Officials participated in an ongoing debris removal meeting with the NC Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management.

  • Lake Lure Subaqueous Sewer System (SASS) Replacement Meeting: Town Officials participated in a meeting with engineers from LaBella Engineering and Ruby Collins to further plans for the SASS replacement project.

  • State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Training Program: Town officials participated in SLFRF Training.

  • FEMA Funding Applications/Insurance Coverage: Town Officials held a regular meeting with ICF, our FEMA/Insurance consultant for Lake Lure Project Formulation.

DEBRIS REMOVAL UPDATES

  • Debris Removal Updates: The USACE, in coordination with AshBritt Environmental and local contractors, continue efforts to remove debris.  This is the latest data as of 4/3/25:  
  • 77,544 tons of sediment/sand removal (+18,818 Tons).
  • 33,690 cubic yards of debris from the water way (+1,775 CY).
  • 43,677 cubic yards of debris from the right of way

     The USACE estimates that one million cubic yards of debris still need to be removed from the Lake before the project is completed – that’s about 300 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Crews are working 7 days a week from 6AM to 6PM.

  • 3D MAP: USACE surveyed Lake Lure and created a 3D map of 720 acres of the lake bottom that is being used to identify debris that is underwater, like docks or boats. This debris will be removed in the next phase of work. You may review a copy of the USACE Hydrographic Survey at the following link.  Note the key at the bottom of the illustration to show the depth of the subsurface:  https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/usace-hydrographic-survey

  • Rutherford County Debris Removal/Free Mulch: Rutherford County has also been removing debris from the roadways. Rutherford County is giving away free double-ground mulch-like product on a first come, first served basis while supplies last beginning January 27, 2025. The mulch is available at the Rutherford County Landfill, 656 Laurel Hill Drive, Rutherfordton, NC. Hours for pickup are Monday-Friday 10:00 am-2:00 pm.  

LAKE STATUS

  • Lake Levels: The current Lake Level is about 981 Mean Sea Level (MSL) as of 4/18/25. 
    • The Lake is at this lower level for the ongoing work with the US Army Corps of Engineers and AshBritt Environmental for subsurface debris, silt, and sedimentation.
    • Updates will be posted here when further decisions are made regarding the Lake Level

  • Water Quality Tests: The latest water quality tests from 3/24/25 are posted at the following link along with the history of the results. https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/lake-lure-water-sample-reports  Town officials are happy to report the turbidity readings continue to decrease, with the highest readings coming in at only 23 NTU. We are very close to being within normal turbidity ranges. All of the other parameters are within normal range.  Normal turbidity range is 0 to 10 NTU, but up to 25 NTU is acceptable. Turbidity is the measurement of water clarity (i.e., transparency). For questions, please contact Communications@townoflakelure.com.

  • Lake Use in 2025: The Town is working to restore the Lake.  The contract for subsurface debris removal is expected to continue through August of 2025.  Initially the Lake will be lowered by approximately 12 feet to support these efforts and will likely go lower, depending on the requirements from USCAE. The Lake may remain lowered beyond August 2025 for ongoing work on the subaqueous sewer system.  Out of an abundance of caution, motorized and non-motorized vessels, as well as swimming, are not permitted this season.  

  • Washburn Marina/Boat Slips: Plans for rebuilding the Washburn Marina are dependent upon future funding.  We are awaiting an assessment from FEMA and will continue to keep you informed with any updates as new information becomes available.  All marina slips are being reserved for existing slip renters.  Note that the most of the marina docks have been temporarily placed on Town property near the school.  Some docks fare remaining near the marina for use in the coming weeks.     

  • Boat Permits: Boat permits will not become available until the Lake reopens

  • Is Your Non-Motorized Boat Missing? The Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department is working to get recovered non-motorized boats and stand up paddleboards reunited with their owners.  If you lost your non-motorized boat, please submit a description of the vessel with pictures, and/or the last permit numbers to prladmin@townoflakelure.com. 

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

  • Only approved contractors may go on the lake at this time but sea wall restoration is now possible with the proper permitting.  Building contractors should submit a scope of work regarding lake use activities (with permits) to Community Development. 
  • If work is to be done from a boat, a 2025 Service permit sticker will also be required. Please contact the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Office to purchase the service permit sticker.
  • You may email kmartin@townoflakelure.com with any questions.
  • Approved commercial building contractors in the commercial model include:
  • Freeman Stone Masonry
  • K-Enterprise
  • Lake Lure Adventure Company, Mark Helms
  • Lake Lure Dock
  • Master Dock
  • Michael Markie (work from land only)

For additional information, please visit the following link: https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/important-update-approved-contractors-lake-lures-commercial-model

LAKE STRUCTURES

Damaged Lake Structures: The Community Development Department has created a map including all/showing damaged lake structures.  There are approximately 111 significantly damaged structures. FEMA has approved a process for FREE demolition of these lake structures.  The Town has been advised that FREE demolition of Lake Structures through FEMA is very rare.  Over 30 property owners are taking advantage of this service. While the free demolition program deadline has been reached, there may still be an opportunity to obtain help. If you have a significantly damaged lake structure and have not already DELETE been contacted by spoken with Community Development Staff about what you need to do, you may reach them by contacting them at kmartin@townoflakelure.com or 828-625-9983 x 135.

DAM UPDATES

  • The reservoir drain project at the dam is now complete. The drain will allow the Town to lower the lake beyond 12 feet, if needed. 
  • The automation system for the Tainter Gates has been installed and inspected. They are functioning well.
  • Fencing has been installed along the abutments for safety and looks very good.

Schnabel Engineering is overseeing a geotechnical subsurface investigation to support the design of the replacement dam at Lake Lure.  They have begun the geotechnical drilling and topographic surveying portions of our field investigations. Borings have been drilled on the left and right abutments of the existing dam. Contractors have set control points, captured aerial imagery and LiDAR data, and performed other preliminary surveying efforts.

SEWER SYSTEM UPDATES

  • West-end Sewer System: The work on the West End Sewer System Project began on 3/10/25 and Public Services leaders advise that the project is going very well.  The total project could take up to 4 months, depending on the time it takes to drill through rock, etc. Updates will be posted here.   
  • Sewer System Overall: Public Services continues to work to maintain the larger sewer system.  Planning and design work will be proceeding in Sunset Cove, Tryon Bay, Snug Harbor, and Grey Logs Cove in anticipation of future funding.  The Town has applied for FEMA funding to support restoration of the system.  We are awaiting a decision regarding this request and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.  The Town hopes to continue work on the sewer system as the Lake is drawn down this summer.  
  • Lift Station: The lift station repairs below the dam has gone well and everything is mechanically connected. We are running on portable pumps now. 
  • Waste Water Treatment Plant: The Waste Water Treatment Plant is operational but we have submitted a request to FEMA for a replacement treatment system. We are awaiting a decision regarding this request and hope to relocate the system out of the flood zone.

FREE PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL BUSINESS PROPERTY DEBRIS REMOVAL

The Town of Lake Lure and all those in areas code 28746 are eligible to apply for a FREE option for debris removal.  193 of our friends and neighbors have applied thus far. Follow this link for additional information and the online application. You may also stop in at the Arcade Building for personal assistance completing your application – Monday (8-6) through Saturday (9-2).  For questions, call the debris call center open daily from 7A to 7P at 833-468-6129.

https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/storm-debris-after-helene-private-and-commercial-business-property-debris-removal

Please have these documents readily available when you apply (see video on required documents):

  • A copy of your insurance policy and proof/statement of loss from the company (if insured)
  • A color copy of your driver’s license or valid U.S. government-issued ID (such as a passport)
  • Proof of ownership such as a warranty deed, tax assessment, etc. for private property, OR
  • Trust documents if you are the trustee, OR
  • Your business's articles of incorporation listing you the registered agent if for a commercial property
  • A simple sketch of the private or commercial business property identifying the locations of debris (hand-drawn is fine). 

MORSE PARK RESTORATION

  • The Town of Lake Lure's Morse Park was devastated by debris, silt, and sedimentation during Hurricane Helene.  The Public Work's Department has been working tirelessly to remove the debris, silt, and sedimentation from the Park.  They have begun landscaping the East end of Morse Park (near the Marina and Gazebo) so the public can enjoy this amenity. The West end of the Park (near Town Hall) will continue to be used for the Lake restoration project.  The Mayor and Town Officials would like to invite the public to celebrate this small victory with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Soft Opening of Morse Park. Please join us as we take stock of this step forward in our recovery process. 

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FEMA UPDATES

  • North Carolina Helene Recovery, April 15, 2025  - Key Messages: If you applied for assistance and FEMA initially said you are not approved for financial help, you might need to provide more information. Call 800-621-3362 to get help appealing the determination or visit a Multi-Agency Resource Center.
  • Update
    • $428.6 million approved for more than 159,000 households, including money for rent, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused needs.
    • $444.5 million in Public Assistance funding obligated to the state to support community recovery.
    • $177 million disbursed by the U.S. Small Business Administration in low-interest disaster loans.
    • 13,316 households have stayed in FEMA-paid hotel rooms (Transitional Sheltering Assistance).
    • As of April 15, 124 households remained.
    • 212 households are currently living in FEMA temporary housing units.
    • 5,193 households have received rental assistance.
    • 7,209 families have received $20.9 million for repair or replacement of private-access roads and bridges.
    • 6.6 million cubic yards of debris has been cleared from public rights of ways, 4.9 million by state contractors and 1.7 million by federal contractors.
    • The waterway debris mission has removed 2.6 million cubic yards of debris: approximately 2.4 million by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and 167,956 cubic yards by state contractors.

    • $180 million paid in claims by the National Flood Insurance Program.

  • The Town of Lake Lure has submitted several projects for funding through FEMA.  The Town has not received any funding to date; however, FEMA is funding all of the debris removal process in and around the Lake. Some of the categories of projects the Town has submitted to FEMA include repairs to the Dam, Hydro-electric Plant, Waste Water Treatment Plant, Waste Water Collection System, Road and Bridge Repairs, Pathways and Sidewalks, Town Hall and the Police Station, the Beach, Parks and Trails, and Town Vehicles. Further information on these projects will be presented as additional information becomes available.

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The following information is included for those who were unable to review the previous week’s report.

 

WHAT’S OPEN IN THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE!

Lake Lure Welcomes Visitors Back As Recovery Continues: While visitors should be mindful of ongoing recovery efforts, several local businesses and recreation areas have reopened.  There are a number of attractions that are open in the area. Lake Lure hotels, lodges, bed & breakfasts, and our amazing restaurants are open for business!  Our local businesses greatly appreciate your patronage!  Please visit the area and encourage others to visit as well. 

The Town has been approved for a grant for a replacement playground which will be temporarily placed in Pool Creek Picnic Park until a more permanent location can be identified. 

Ongoing work is also taking place at Buffalo Creek Park, Weed Patch Mountain and Upper Boulder Trails by the National Guard, Carolina Climbers Coalition, Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, EcoForesters and AmeriCorps. We cannot thank them enough for their time and support!  Please stay tuned for updates as these additional parks and trails reopen.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK

Bridge Locations Selected in Chimney Rock: ​CHIMNEY ROCK – N.C. Department of Transportation officials have selected locations for two bridges in Chimney Rock that will serve temporary and long-term needs of residents and visitors.

Both plans were selected in coordination with local and state park officials and with input from the general public following a meeting and public comment period during which more than 100 comments were submitted. These two plans remove conflicts for Southside Drive residents from park and road construction traffic.

A temporary bridge from U.S. 64/74A to Chimney Rock Park Road will be installed just west of the old truss bridge that served Southside Drive and provide residents and visitors access to Chimney Rock State Park. NCDOT and its contractor, Wright Brothers Construction, have established the goal of opening the bridge by Memorial Day weekend if weather permits.

For permanent repairs, NCDOT officials selected a reconstruction plan that will combine the Chimney Rock Park Road and Southside Drive bridges into one. That bridge will start at a new roundabout at the former location of Old Rock Café, cross the river and connect with Chimney Rock Park Road, providing access to Southside Drive. Construction of the permanent bridge will commence during 2026 after nearby sections of U.S. 64/74A are reconstructed. 

Lake Lure Town Officials are pleased that NC DOT has made a firm plan for reopening Chimney Rock State Park quickly.  The Town of Lake Lure is open and eager to welcome tourists back as we continue to recover from Hurricane Helene. All of our places to stay, restaurants, and several of our Parks and Trails are open in Lake Lure. Please visit www.townoflakelure for additional information.

The Town of Lake Lure will continue to pursue opening the Lago Vista Road entrance to Chimney Rock State Park for emergency management purposes.  Completing the short gap between Lago Vista Road (behind the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa) and Chimney Rock State Park Road (within the park itself) is just a quarter of a mile.  Lake Lure Town Council Members and Town Officials will continue to advocate for this road to be completed to enhance emergency responses by the Lake Lure Fire and Rescue Team as most of Chimney Rock State Park is actually within the limits of the Town of Lake Lure.

ROADWAYS

  • Dam Bridge Closure on Buffalo Shoals Road: There will be a temporary road closure on the Lake Lure Dam Bridge on Buffalo Shoals Road on Thursday, 4/17/25. The purpose of the road closure is for an NCDOT inspection. Please plan for the road to be closed all day and we will post an update when the road is reopened.

  • Governor Josh Stein and Emergency Management Officials Encourage Western North Carolinians to Apply for Private Roads and Bridges Repair Program: https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/03/14/governor-josh-stein-and-emergency-management-officials-encourage-western-north-carolinians-apply

  • Roadways: The Town of Lake Lure is grateful for the support of the community as so many trucks are up and down the roadways hauling off debris.  This phase of the recovery remains challenging but the restoration that is being done is nothing short of amazing.  Once the debris is finally cleared, the roadways will be assessed and the Town will work to restore roadways that have been impacted by the traffic from heavy trucks. Public Works crews are working on Town roads and mud slides every week.

  • Highway 64/74A Between Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village: As of April 2025, Highway 64/74A between Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village is closed as a result of the impacts of Hurricane Helene.  The road is only open to residents, property and business owners, and approved construction workers. A checkpoint is in place at The Hickory Nut store just beyond The Geneva Motel.  Only those with approved passes are allowed through. For questions please contact Chimney Rock Village. 

  • NC DOT updates on Highway 64: A temporary road is expected to be open between Chimney Rock and Hendersonville was extended to April 30, 2026 For more information Visit NC DOT’s Drive NC link: https://drivenc.gov/?type=incident&id=715074

  • Boys Camp Road Permanent Bridge: The Bridge has been designed and the Town has received bids to construct the permanent bridge. The Town has submitted this project for funding through FEMA.  We are awaiting their determination and funding for this project.

  • Proctor Road: These road repairs are scheduled to begin in May 2025.  

CELL TOWER

The cell tower site shifted 100 feet back to accommodate the change in the topography due to the storm. It will still be 125 feet from property lines and will be fenced in. The tower will be 195 feet tall and will be a sleek design. Construction for the tower is expected to begin this summer 2025.  Please stay tuned for updat

COUNSELING/MENTAL HEALTH

  • Crisis Counseling, Mental Health Resources Available for Helene Survivors: The NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Hope4NC Crisis Counseling Program provides immediate support and crisis counseling services for North Carolinians following Helene. Survivors experiencing stress, emotional fatigue, a mental health crisis or just need someone to talk to, can call the Hope4NC Helpline 24/7 at 1-855-587-3463. Services are provided at no cost and are available to anyone residing within the declared 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, regardless of their eligibility for FEMA financial assistance.  Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline is available anytime to provide support. Survivors and responders feeling overwhelmed can call or text 1-800-985-5990 to receive free, confidential support in any language.

BEYOND FEMA – SUPPORT FOR HURRICANE HELENE SURVIVORS

  • Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach - Local Food Pantry: (828) 625-4683 Monday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  https://hickorynutgorgeoutreach.org/

  • Legal Aid NC Helpline: If you wish to contact Legal Aid NC for disaster-related legal issues, call our Helpline: Toll-Free: 1 (866) 219-LANC (5262) 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Legal Aid of North Carolina is not your typical law firm—they are the nonprofit law firm for the state. They are dedicated to delivering justice and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to legal help and support when it matters most. https://legalaidnc.org/what-we-do/

  • NC Department of Insurance (DOI) is coordinating with law enforcement agencies, emergency management, fire departments, rescue squads, charities, churches and civic groups to do everything we can at the state and local level to assist the victims. DOI Consumer Assistance will be on the ground to help with insurance claims and other needs. The following web page is updated with the latest information on the DOI Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. https://www.ncdoi.gov/hurricane-helene-response-and-recovery

  • RHI Legacy Foundation: RHI Legacy is committed to impacting health and wellness in Rutherford County by making grants to support organizations and initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s grant focus areas: Chronic disease, Healthy Eating, Active Living. www.rhilegacyfoundation.com

  • United Way: https://www.unitedwaync.org/nc-disaster-relief-fund-helene

  • United Way of Rutherford County: www.unitedwayofrutherford.org

  • The Community Foundation for Western NC (CFWNC) Hurricane Helene Relief and Recovery Effort: (Regional Funders, Donors and Others Coordinating for Hurricane Relief in Western North Carolina). CFWNC activated its Emergency and Disaster Response Fund to accept and disburse funds supporting a regional response and relief efforts in 18 counties of Western North Carolina including the Qualla Boundary on September 29. Funds ensure that nonprofits have the resources they needed for the critical early response and continuing recovery. Administrative fees are waived so that every dollar goes directly to assistance.  *To donate by check: make your check payable to The Community Foundation and mail it to 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Ste. 300, Asheville, NC 28803; please include EDRF in the memo line. $17,498,653 in 394 Grants Awarded as of 1/1/25. To apply for a grant visit:  https://cfwnc.org/initiatives/hurricane-helene-relief-and-recovery

  • North Carolina Community Foundation: Bringing together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about. Mission: to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities. The North Carolina Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund aims to provide assistance in the months and years ahead. “Our Disaster Relief Fund is going to be providing help with long-term recovery and unmet needs. It will complement the work already underway in western North Carolina with grants going out to organizations in early 2025,” said NCCF President and CEO Jennifer Tolle Whiteside.  More than $10 million has been raised so far for the Disaster Relief Fund, including a $7.5 million gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. Visit the following link to apply for a grant: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=nccommunityfoundation

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESSES

  • Western NC Strong Recovery Loans: https://www.mountainbizworks.org/helene/fund/apply/ Where traditional banks see risk, we see massive opportunities. For over 30 years, Mountain BizWorks has been saying yes to entrepreneurs, whose financing needs have often been overlooked and underfunded. Supporting Western North Carolina’s small businesses get the capital they need to start, grow, and thrive is our passion. What they provide: Mountain BizWorks believes in the power of local entrepreneurs to create a vibrant local economy. While traditional banks often see start-up and early-stage businesses as too risky, we see them as Western North Carolina’s future.  Mountain BizWorks specializes in providing financing to help Western North Carolina small businesses launch and expand, by offering non-traditional loans from $1,000 to $500,000. Because all loan decisions are made locally, we are able to support your capital needs and requests with expediency.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

  • The Town approved a contract to work with the Foothills Regional Commission (FRC) in updating the Comprehensive Plan.  The process includes the following deliverables:
  • Survey creation and survey data review.
  • Public input with key community focus groups.
  • Review of Current and Future statistics and demographics.
  • Review of current existing conditions and development patterns.
  • Hold bi-monthly steering committee meetings, anticipating 6 meetings in total over the span of 12 months.
  • 2 traditional public input sessions.
  • Development of short-term and long-term development goals.
  • Webpage for the Plan hosted on the Foothills Regional Commission Website.
  • 2-4 Community Town Halls for public input.
  • All mapping will be provided based upon existing data. No new data will be collected.
  • Mapping will be hosted via the FRC server, and an online interactive map will be available to post on the Town of Lake Lure website after completion.
  • Development of goals and objectives to guide future development.
  • Development of 3-5 Catalyst Projects.
  • Development of timelines and funding sources for Catalyst Projects.
  • Mapping assessments and valuation assessments.
  • The tentative plan is to begin work in late spring - early summer, and to have the process completed by July 2026.

TOWN HALL AND TOWN STAFF

  • Town Hall was flooded and is closed at this time, as is the Welcome Center.
  • The Town has applied for funding assistance for damages to Town Hall and future plans for this building cannot be determined until the outcome of this request is known.
  • Town Hall is currently operating out of office space in the Arcade Building including the Town Manager, Town Clerk, Administration, and Community Development.
  • You may reach staff at their phone online extensions and the staff Directory is located on the Town website at:   https://www.townoflakelure.com/contact
  • For questions, you may email Communications@townoflakelure.com.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT/APPLICATIONS

The following chart illustrates the financial support the Town of Lake Lure is currently seeking, in addition to Federal and State Funding requests that have been made on behalf of the Town through our political representatives (disaster management planning experts) and Hager Strategic Solutions (lobbyist).  They are assisting the Town with post-disaster federal funding applications and requests to expedite our recovery process.

There are 29 projects that have been submitted to FEMA for consideration of funding and the Town is awaiting their review and feedback.

Organization

Funding Request

Status

State of NC-DEQ-Water

(Loan with potential forgiveness)

$3,000,000

Application under review

FEMA-Revenue Replacement

(Loan with potential forgiveness)

Up to $5,000,000

Financial data under review; additional data being provided

FEMA-Expedited Funding for Emergency Repairs

Up to $7,500,000

Application under review

DEQ-ARPA Reimbursement (non-storm related)

Up to $3,000,00

Submission under review

Private Donations

Up to $90,000

Deposited; being held for future disbursement under discretion of Council

Other Revenues and Payments from Insurance proceeds and claims

Up to $5,000,000

50% has been approved for release

1/7/25 Update: 50% received.

1/31/25 Update: $1.3 million insurance payment for damage to Town Hall. 

NC Treasurer Cash Flow Loan

$3,423,122.89

3/21/25 Update: Received   

 

MONETARY DONATIONS

Our community, along with many of our neighbors, has been devastated by the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The Town of Lake Lure, NC is deeply grateful for the support our community has received.  We have had numerous requests to establish a mechanism for financial donations. Please click on the following link to donate to the Town of Lake Lure Storm Recovery Fund.  

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WXB6HYYE8Y5PJ

Additional options for monetary donations include the following: 

 STORM RECOVERY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Swift evacuation by first responders saving countless lives 9/27/24.
  • Countless rescues first responders during and following Hurricane Helene.
  • Coordination with the Rutherford County Emergency Management during and throughout the storm.
  • Dam assessment and stabilization immediately following the storm event 9/27/24-9/29/24.
  • Communication with the Rutherford County EOC and FEMA for recovery immediately following the storm.
  • Coordination with volunteer groups to provide hot meals, shower services, restrooms, and handwashing stations in strategic locations by 10/1/24. Christian Aid Ministries served 8,080 hot meals and assisted 43 homeowners with cleanup of their homes and property.  There were 164 volunteers and they spent 2,457 hours assisting our community!
  • Creation of donation stations to disseminate supplies throughout town by 10/1/24. 
  • Cleared Highways and Town roads within days of the storm.
  • Restoration of water service throughout Town with water quality testing allowing Boil Advisory lifted 10/14/24 and 10/16/24 respectively.
  • Rapid repair of power services throughout Town by Duke Power and REMC.  
  • Establishment of temporary communications systems through Starlink (10 systems) and Cell on Wheels with AT&T and Verizon 10/16/24.
  • Replacement of fiber to re-establish internet and cell service to the area 10/18/24. 
  • Repair to the left abutment of the Dam by 10/27/24 with 2,494.64 tons of material securing the area.
  • Army Corps of Engineers contract signed with AshBritt to oversee lake debris and silt/sedimentation removal during a 160 day period of performance beginning 10/28/24.  Debris removal began 11/4/24.
  • Emergency repairs to the sewer system completed, allowing "no flush order" to be lifted for most on 10/28/24.
  • Reopening of the Dam Bridge on Buffalo Shoals Road on 10/31/24.
  • Dittmer Watts Nature Trails and a portion of the Green Space reopened on 11/19/24.
  • Pressure Reducing Valve Construction in Lake Lure Town Center successfully completed 11/22/24.
  • The Boys Camp Road Temporary Bridge was completed 11/26/24.
  • As of 1/23/24, Over 32,782 CY of debris have been removed from the right of way, 27669 tons of sediment and silt have been removed from Town and the parks, 24,558 cubic yards (CY) of debris have been removed from the Lake.
  • 1/10/25: Burnt Ridge Landslide repair completed.
  • 1/7/25: 50% of insurance payments received.
  • 1/22/25: Contracted with lobbyist Hager Strategic Solutions (lobbyist). 
  • 1/22/25: Proclamation to open Chimney Rock State Park as soon as possible to bring in tourism to the area and strengthen the economy.
  • The Town is committed to sharing details of the recovery process and as our comprehensive plans are developed, this information will continue to be shared broadly on the website and in Town Meetings.
  • 1/31/25: Culvert repair on Hummingbird Cove completed.
  • 1/31/25: $1.3 million insurance payment received for damage to Town Hall. 
  • 2/11/25: Waste Water Treatment Plant is now operational.  Repaired 3 water leaks throughout the water system
  • 2/14/25: Storm drain box culvert repaired at corner of Memorial Hwy and Charlotte Dr
  • 2/19/25: Youngs Mountain Trail landslide repaired
  • 2/21/25: Green Space drainage repairs completed, grass replanted, and dry creek beds put into place.
  • 2/28/25: The Town of Lake Lure and all those in areas code 28746 are eligible to apply for a free option for debris removal program through the USACE.
  • 3/7/25: Debris removed from Morse Park trails and grass replanted in that area.
  • 3/14/25: FEMA approval of the mission assignment for Lake Surface Debris, silt, and sedimentation removal through FEMA and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
  • 3/18/25: Community Forum held with FEMA, USACE at The Lakeside Terrace with approximately 200 attendees.
  • 3/18/25: United Way presented Fire Chief Dustin Waycaster a check for $50,000 for a new heart monitor for Firefights/AMTs.
  • 3/27/25: Reservoir Drain Valve Installation complete.

ONGOING

  • Emergency repairs to the sewer system.
  • Constant removal hazardous debris from the lake and roadways.
  • Removal of boats from the lake and boat houses.
  • Town officials are working to develop a comprehensive plan for recovery of the Lake.   

QUESTIONS/SUGGESTIONS

You may review previous Storm Recovery Updates in Town News at www.townoflakelure.com

For questions or suggestions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com

 

 

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