Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates 10/23/24

Thank You Banner

 

The following are Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates and information for Wednesday, 10/23/24.   Have you seen the new banners around Town?  Thank you to all who are helping us get our LURE back!

Here are today’s headlines with the details incorporated below.

  • Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE): A new ACOE contract is being finalized to provide additional support for debris and silt/sedimentation removal from the lake.
  • 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!!
  • Contractors: Contractors may continue work on homes and lake structures but only from land.  Lake access is restricted to Town approved contractors only at this time. No drilling in the lake bed is permitted at this time.
  • Dam: Repairs continue with a shift to the right abutment...Hurricane Helene Summary Memo has been posted.
  • FEMA: New Disaster Recovery Center in Lake Lure and updates on coordination.
  • Red Cross: Red Cross Volunteers will be available to provide support at the Special Meeting on 10/24/24 at 5:00 PM. For more information on their services you may visit: https://www.redcross.org/local/north-carolina/about-us/locations/western-north-carolina.html
  • Roads: Proctor Road repairs begin soon.
  • Utilities: Progress continues with sewer system repairs – please stay tuned for good news - hopefully within a week!
  • Town Hall/Welcome Center: Lake Lure Town Hall and the Welcome Center were flooded and are vacated at this time. Both buildings are being cleaned and Town employees are dispersed to other Town offices.  Town Hall phones are being answered remotely.]
  • Town Council Special Meeting: This meeting will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 5:00PM at the Lake Lue Inn Dining Room at 2772 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure.
  • Town Council Work Session/Action Meeting: Town Council held their monthly Work Session/Action Meeting today, Wednesday, 10/23/24 at 8:30 AM. Today’s updates include most information discussed at the meeting.

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 Army Corps of Engineers contractors are working with Town crews and contractors to remove debris from the lake as quickly as possible.  These are the only approved crews that may be in the lake.
  • 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! It is estimated that approximately 25-30% of the massive debris field out in the main lake channel beyond Morse Park has been removed. 

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. 30-32 boats have been removed from the marina thus far.
  • 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.  Schnabel Engineering has developed a Hurricane Helene Summary Memo which is now posted for review.  
  • Emergency repairs to the Lake Lure Dam are ongoing.  Crews are working to address the erosion on the left abutment. Work will shift to the right abutment soon.
  • Nearby areas of Buffalo Creek Road have also been repaired.  New guard rails will be installed in the coming weeks before the road reopens.  
  • 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 as the work continues.
  • The construction of the new reservoir drain is resuming.
  • 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 if/when that occurs.   
  • The lake drawdown previously scheduled for 1/1/25 has been cancelled and updates will be provided as the recovery process continues.

LAKE/DEBRIS/SILT:

  • The Parks, Recreation, and Lake Crews and contractors continue to work to remove debris from the lake following the devastating hurricane. 
  • The first week after the storm, 650 tons of debris were removed from the lake.  The following week 183 dump truck loads were removed and last week, 207 dump truck loads of debris were removed from Lake Lure.  
  • This effort will continue with the support of the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE).  The ACOE has secured a contractor who will oversee the operation.  They will work closely with the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department and valued contractors!
  • The water will be tested at the Rocky Broad, in several locations in Lake Lure and in the Broad River below the dam.
  • The priority is removing all hazardous debris and then silt and sediment removal will begin.
  • Debris will eventually be removed from properties around the lake once the hazardous debris is out of the way.

 RESOURCES/FEMA ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION

FEMA

The Town of Lake Lure, NC is pleased to announce that a new Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at the Mountains Branch Library (150 Bill's Creek Rd, Lake Lure, NC) starting Thursday, October 24th, 2024.

  • The DRC will be open 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and anyone in the county can visit this location for assistance.
  • If you’ve received a response from FEMA that wasn’t quite what you expected, don’t worry! Sometimes it just means more information is needed.
  • The DRC can help you with appeals and ensure you have everything you need for the next steps. Don’t miss this opportunity for assistance!
  • In-person FEMA Reps: Available at Ingles 8-5 through Friday, 10/25/24. Additionally, they will be stationed at Spindale House - 119 Tanner St, Spindale, NC 28160 from 8-5 through 10/25/24.
  • Special Needs Opportunity: The Department of Health and Human Services is offering a special FEMA resource and information assistance opportunity at the School for the Deaf in Morganton on 10/26/24 from 10-12:30.  Please review the details here.
  • 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:
  • Rutherford County:  Isothermal Community College, Foundation Performing Arts Center, 286 ICC Loop Road Spindale NC 288160
  • FEMA Collaboration with Lake Lure: FEMA Director Deanne Criswell visited Lake Lure last week.  FEMA representatives are working closely with Town Officials to ensure coordination of needs, requests, and resources. The Town has submitted a request for assistance and a Recovery Scoping Meeting has been scheduled for 11/13/24. After this meeting the Town will have 60 days to submit a request for public assistance.

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

SUPPLIES/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.

TOWN ACCESS

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.
  • Notice to Owners of Vacation Rentals: Please review the information at this link.

TOWN CENTER ACCESS – TOWN ROADS – 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.
  • A landslide has occurred on Proctor Road and Morgan Corporation has been consulted to help make the repairs.
  • Plans have been developed and we are working through details to begin construction on a temporary bridge on Boys Camp Road. (This has taken longer than originally expected but we are working hard to make it happen.)
  • 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 ARE CLOSED AT THIS TIME

  • Morse Park and the Lake Lure Welcome Center are closed and are only accessible to construction workers. Additional Police will be stationed in the Park for everyone’s safety.
  • All other Town Parks and Trails are temporarily closed for assessment and clearing. 

UTILITIES/TRASH

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 being restored to 106 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.
  • One of the top priorities for the Town is restoring the town’s sewer system.  We are hoping for good news within the next week!  Emergency repairs are being made and you may read further details 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).

 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 towns 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 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. 
  • 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.

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 and silt removal.

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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