Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates 10/21/24

LLBC Meals-Showers-Supplies

The following are Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates and information for Monday, 10/21/24.   

  • Special Thanks and Appreciation! The Town of Lake Lure would like to thank Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, NC, Grace Baptist Church in Gastonia, NC, and the Lake Lure Baptist Church, Lake Lure, NC for setting up the mobile kitchen, a shower unit, and a supply station at the Lake Lure Baptist Church since (10/1/24).  These services reached so many in our community and we are deeply grateful for the support they provided to so many during this challenging time.    
  • Thanks to all those who worked so hard to establish the donation station at Ingles.  Today was the last day for the setup but see information below on other options to pick u-p supplies.
  • Sewer System: One of the top priorities for the Town is restoring the town’s sewer system.  Emergency repairs are being made and updates will be provided as this process is completed.
  • Lake Debris: Another top priority is removing lake debris.  The National Guard, US Army, the Army Corp of Engineers, and many contractors are assisting the town with lake and land debris removal.   
  • Cleanup: If you need assistance with home cleanup following the storm, please send a message to Communications@townoflakelure.com (Subject: Cleanup). Volunteers from Baptists on Mission are now assisting with this in coordination with Camp Lurecrest.  We are so grateful for their support!
  • Boat owners: Please read the updates on boat removals below.
  • Who was flying over this weekend? The 101st Airborne Division was in Lake Lure providing assistance.  They are an airborne infantry and artillery division of the US Army, helping with recovery.
  • Town Meetings: Town Council will hold their monthly Work Session/Action Meeting on Wednesday, 10/23/24 at 8:30 AM.  A Special Meeting will be held Thursday, October 4, 2024 at 5:00PM.  Both meetings will be held at the Lake Lue Inn Dining Room at 2772 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC
  • Notice to Owners of Vacation Rentals: Please review the information at this link.

 RESOURCES/FEMA ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION

FEMA

  • In-person FEMA Reps: Available at Ingles 8-5 through Wednesday, 10/23/24. Additionally, they will be stationed at Spindale House - 119 Tanner St, Spindale, NC 28160 from 8-5 through 10/23/24.
  • FEMA App: Use the FEMA app to apply directly from your smartphone. 
  • Online: Visit www.disasterassistance.gov to apply. 
  • By Phone: Call 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative.
  • FEMA Resource and Information web page for citizens.   
  • FEMA is Seeking Lodging to House Disaster Survivors: FEMA is seeking both multifamily and residential properties to lease for Helene survivors. The fact sheets are attached for any interested businesses/lodging providers who may want to participate. Please note that homeowners may also be eligible to participate in this program but as a long term lease for survivors. There are requirements, but this is a good place to start.
  • Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP): The D-SNAP program has been activated in North Carolina and the details are located: Hurricane Helene Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) | NCDHHS. People can apply in person at the following locations:
  • Henderson County: Blue Ridge Commons Shopping Center
    2111 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28739
  • McDowell County: McDowell County YMCA gymnasium (bottom level), 348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion, North Carolina 28752
  • Polk County: Polk County Health and Human Services  Agency, Human Services Building, 231 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring, NC 28756
  • Rutherford County:  Isothermal Community College (ICC)
     Foundation Performing Arts Center, 286 ICC Loop Road Spindale NC 288160
  • FEMA representatives are working closely with Town Officials to ensure coordination of needs, requests, and resources. 

 

MOBILE HEALTH CLINIC: A Mobile Health Clinic is stationed at Ridgeline Heating and Air at 1618 Bill’s Creek Road and they are available Monday - Friday from 9:30-4:30.

LIBRARY: Now through 11/15/24, anyone needing to fax information related to Hurricane Helene may do so for FREE at all Rutherford County Branch Libraries, including the Mountains Branch Library (Thank You!)

VOTER INFORMATION: www.rutherfordcountync.gov

DONATIONS/SNAP/UNEMPLOYMENT

The Town of Lake Lure is extremely grateful for the many donations of supplies that have been made to our community.  We are overwhelmed by the love and support we have received.  Currently, we do not need any additional supplies or clothing.  In fact, we are a bit challenged in finding space to store the supplies we have right now. At this time, we are working to disseminate the supplies we have on hand and will post updates if/when additional supplies are needed.

NEEDING SUPPLIES: If you need supplies, please stop by the donation stations at the Parks, Recreation and Lake Department at 658 Memorial Highway (64/74), Ingles on Highway 9, or at Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach at 2556 Memorial Hwy. (The roadway is open without Police Checkpoints.)

SNAP: See information below on how residents in Western North Carolina can Apply for Help Buying Food Following Hurricane Helene

UNEMPLOYMENT AND JOB ASSISTANCE: Unemployment and Job Assistance for Victims of Hurricane Helene has been added to the website.  Please share this information with those who may need it.

UTILITIES

CELL SERVICE:

  • Fiber optic lines have been placed throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge and cell and internet services have improved significantly. The AT&T and Verizon Cell on Wheels (COWs) remain in Town Center.

POWER: 

  • IMPORTANT: The breaker should be off in your home until the power is restored to avoid power surges when the power is restored.
  • Duke Energy: Power is still being restored to 135 people in our area without power.
  • REMC: REMC advises that power has been restored for customers within 28746.  

WATER/SEWER SYSTEM:

  • Lake Lure water and sewer bills have been suspended for the rest of 2024.
  • Water has been restored throughout Lake Lure and the Boil Advisory has been lifted for all areas.  
  • A NO FLUSH order remains in place for those on the Town sewer system.  CWS is part of the Town of Lake Lure sewer system.
  • Emergency repairs are being made to the sewer system and WasteWater Treatment Plant.  We are hopeful repairs will enable service within the following weeks and updates will be provided as details are confirmed. Please see detailed updates here.
  • The Town is working closely with the NC Department of Environmental Quality on all activities.

WATER/PERSONAL WELLS: Resources for assistance with testing and disinfecting personal wells.

     1) Foothills Health District. Please click on the following link for Emergency Drinking Water Well Disinfection Procedures

          http://www.foothillshd.org/images/forms/4000/4001/FoothillsHealth_WellWaterDisinfection.pdf 

     2)  Broad River Water Authority: 828-286-0640 https://www.ncbrwa.com/ 

     3)  James & James Environmental Management, Inc. 828-697-0063,  https://www.facebook.com/jamesandjames1992/

TRASH/DEBRIS: 

  • Public Works crews removed 65 truckloads of debris and hard trash from Town homeowners last week. The Town will continue to pick up debris and hard trash each Friday if it is placed at the right of way, near the road by Thursday evening.   
  • Please be sure not to have dumpsters within the public right-of-way.
  • Debris will eventually be picked up from the shoreline once most of the lake debris is removed from the lake.  We cannot provide an estimated time when this will occur but stay tuned for updates.
  • Please check with Lake Lure Fire Department (LLFD) before doing any open burning due to the Wind Advisory.  Burn Permits may be obtained from the LLFD
  • The Town has added three dumpsters in the Dittmer-Watts parking lot (across from Ingles on Highway 9) to assist residents with household trash.  
  • The Bill’s Creek Convenience Center remains open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday. (Closed Wednesdays and Sundays) 
  • Solid Waste: household garbage, demolition materials, brush and tree limbs, pallets, metal, white goods (which consists of refrigerators, stoves, washers, and dryers, hot water heaters, dishwashers, etc.), tires, cooking oil, motor oil, oil filters, batteries and dead animals. They will not accept other liquids, hazardous waste, insecticides, chemicals, stumps, sludge etc. The landfill also accepts used computers, TVs and asbestos.
    • Rutherford County Landfill: (828) 287-6125, 656 Laurel Hill Dr, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
    • Polk County Solid Waste (Transfer Station and Landfill): 828-894-3737, NC 9 HWY two miles north of Mill.  Open 8:00-4:30 Mon-Fri and 8:00-4:00 Sat    

 

YARD CLEANUP

  • The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management has provided the following information regarding soil and sediment management during cleanup efforts after Hurricane Helene.
  • If you need assistance with home cleanup following the storm, please send a message to Communications@townoflakelure.com (Subject: Cleanup).

 

ACCESS TO TOWN, & TOWN PARKS/TRAILS 

LOCALS ONLY PLEASE

  • Town Officials have asked that no one come to Town unless you live here or are working here for the Town or with a property owner. 
  • The NC Highway Patrol is overseeing checkpoints requiring verification to minimize traffic.
  • The Police checkpoint has been moved to The Hickory Nut Store.

TOWN CENTER ACCESS AND BEYOND: 

  • Use caution when driving in the area due to road construction and debris removal.
  • Expect delays from working crews. 
  • Traffic is limited to homeowners or their contractors in Town Center and Boys Camp Road.
  • Plans have been developed and we are working through details to begin construction on a temporary bridge on Boys Camp Road.
  • A temporary ford has been created that allows passage to Boys Camp Road through a very rugged river crossing. Use extreme caution when fording across the river.  
  • Town Officials ask that homeowners and contractors limit passage in and out of Boys Camp Road to preserve the temporary ford.
  • Traffic to the Chimney Rock Village (CRV) is currently limited. CRV Officials have established a pass system for homeowners that allows for one entry/exit per day. Entry is restricted to all others except workers.  

TOWN PARKS AND TRAILS

  • Morse Park and the Lake Lure Welcome Center are closed and are only accessible to construction workers.
  • All other Town Parks and Trails are temporarily closed for assessment and clearing. 

 

LAKE/BOATS/DAM

PLEASE STAY OFF THE LAKE: 

  • The lake is currently unsafe and only Town approved workers are able to be out on the lake at this time. 
  • The National Guard and Army Corps of Engineers contractors are working with Town crews and contractors to remove debris from the lake as quickly as possible.  
  • Booms are in place to prevent large debris from going further downstream toward the dam.
  • A hazmat boom has been strategically placed to soak up water, oil, coolants and other materials, preventing these from going downstream. 
  • Crews are working to remove debris as carefully and quickly as possible to minimize environmental impacts.  They are making tremendous progress everyday!

BOATS:

  • The priority at this time is removing any hazardous boats from the lake.
  • The Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department is contacting slip renters in the marina to give details about the boat removal process.
  • Boat owners will be contacted by the contractor after their boat has been removed.
  • Boats may be removed by boat owners if they may be removed by land.
  • Washburn Marina: Drone photos have been taken of the boats in the Washburn Marina to assist with insurance claims. The Parks, Recreation, and Lake (PRL) sent out a link to slip owners this week. Individual contractors are not allowed in Morse Park or the Marina at this time.
  • Rumbling Bald Marina: For boats stored at the Rumbling Bald Marina, please contact the General Manager.
  • All other motorized and non-motorized boats will be removed at a later date.  The PRL Department will establish a location for boat owners to retrieve boats at a later date.
  • A comprehensive list of boats and associated permit numbers, along with their whereabouts will be kept by the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department.

DAM/LAKE LEVELS:

  • The Lake Lure Dam remains stable.
  • Crews are working to repair the erosion on the left side of the dam and they are making excellent progress. 
  • The road issues on Buffalo Shoals Road near the dam have been repaired. The next step is adding guard rails to ensure safe passage.  The Dam Bridge remains closed at this time.
  • The construction of the new reservoir drain will resume as soon as possible.
  • The Lake Level will remain at approximately 985.5, five feet below full pond for now.
  • Lake Levels may shift in the coming days and updates will be provided when that occurs.   

 

 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 Data: 8080 meals served, 43 cleanup jobs completed, 164 volunteers, 2457 volunteer hours.) 
  • 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 to be lifted 10/14/24.
  • Rapid repair of power services throughout town by Duke Power and REMC.  
  • Establishment of temporary communications systems through Starlink (10/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. 
  • The Town is committed to complete transparency on the recovery process and as our comprehensive plans are developed, this information will be shared broadly on the website and in Town Meetings.

ONGOING

  • Emergency repairs to the sewer system.
  • Constant removal hazardous debris from the lake as a top priority is ongoing.
  • Removal of boats with emphasis on hazardous vessels first.
  • Town officials are working to develop a comprehensive plan for recovery of the lake which will include dredging but the focus at this juncture is removing hazardous debris.  Dredging will be incorporated.

MONETARY DONATIONS

 

MONETARY DONATIONS: Our community, along with many of our neighbors, has been devastated by the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The Town of Lake Lure, NC is deeply grateful for the support our community has received in the past few weeks.  We have had numerous requests to establish a mechanism for financial donations. If you have an interest in this, 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:  

Questions

For questions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com

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