Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates 11/25/24

112524 Temporary Bridge Construction - Boys Camp Road

Please take a moment to review the Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates and information for Monday, 11/25/24. 

Boys Camp Road Temporary Bridge Update:

  • Construction for the new temporary bridge began right on time on Boys Camp Road this morning (shown here) and will continue tomorrow. The new temporary bridge is scheduled to be open at 7:00 AM on Wednesday, 11/27/24.
  • Special thanks to Nelon and Sons for getting the trash picked up before the construction began! 
  • The Fire Department has staged emergency vehicles beyond the bridge to provide support as needed during the 48 hour timeframe.

     FOR THOSE NEEDING TO DEPART BOYS CAMP ROAD DURING CONSTRUCTION

  • The walking path is in place over the original bridge for anyone needing to leave the area during construction.
  • We thank the Firefighters who have been assisting anyone who needed to leave.
  • The parking area is available at the field at Sheridan Lane and Boys Camp Road so cars may be left for anyone needing to leave during construction.
  • For assistance or coordination coming and going during construction please send an email to the following address or call the Lake Lure Fire Dept at 828-625-9333 and we will work with you to support your needs if at all possible. email Communications@townoflakelure.com (Subject: Boys Camp Road Bridge Crossing)

Debris Removal:

  • Over 11,586 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the lake as of 11/24/24. On 11/25/24, AshBritt also began removing debris and silt from Morse Park. 
  • Shoreline Debris Removal: Contractors will begin removing debris from the shoreline.  They will remove  debris Lake shore debris pick up will also occur at a later date which will be announced. They will be removing debris in the water and up to 5 feet above full pond. 

Lake Level:

  • Currently, the lake is remaining about 4 feet below full pond (986.5).  The plan is to remain at this level for now.  The lake level will be increased in the coming weeks to allow for additional boat and debris removal. Any significant changes in lake levels will be posted in these updates.

Help Us Protect and Clean Our Lake:

  • Attention all Lakefront Property Owners and Renters: Please do not put any debris, trash, or household items in the lake. Additionally, if you are washing boats near the shore, be sure no detergents or chemicals flow into the lake.

Contractors:

  • The Lake Lure Town Council has announced that the Lake is now open to approved contractors to navigate the waters to haul out or service motorized boats at their customers’ request. Additionally, approved service contractors may begin work on the lake as outlined below.

         Please note that lake debris removal continues at this time and their work is a priority. 

  • While on Lake Lure during this continued State of Emergency, navigate the waters with respect for other contractors. 
  • Debris contractors working with the US Army Corps of Engineers must take precedent and should be yielded to whenever possible. Please do not impede their progress.
  • Stay clear of their boats and barges and do not block their path or interfere with their work in any way. 
  • Failure to comply may result in discontinuation of lake privileges.

         Debris Contractors as well as commercial service contractors in the Lake Lure Commercial Model are now authorized to access the lake using their commercially permitted boats.

  • Commercial service contractors not currently approved in the commercial model may apply for a commercial service permit by contacting prladmin@townoflakelure.com to be considered.
  • This will allow work on lake structures to resume from water; however, concrete work is excluded at this time due to a need for fluctuating lake levels for debris removal. (Please note that permits are still required)

      Building contractors should submit a scope of work regarding lake use activities (with permits) to Community Development.  You may email kmartin@townoflakelure.com with any questions.

     Approved commercial boat removal companies include:

  • Barry Capps Marine
  • Lake Lure Dock
  • Lake Lure Marine
  • Sea Tow

    Boat owners may use other companies to haul boats from the shore (including Anglers Choice, Driftwood Marine); however, only the approved companies listed above may access the lake at this time.

    Approved commercial service contractors in the commercial model include:

  • Freeman Stone Masonry
  • K-Enterprise
  • Lake Lure Dock
  • Master Dock
  • Shoreline Management & Docks, LLC

Hard Trash/Debris Pick Up:

  • Reminder that online requests have resumed for pickup for Hard Trash/Debris Pick Up within the Town of Lake Lure. Hard Trash Pickup will normally occur on Fridays but there is a date change for Hard Trash Pick Up from 11/29/24 to 12/2/24:
  • Hard Trash Pick-up by the Town of Lake Lure will not occur on Friday, 11/29/24, the day after Thanksgiving.
  • The hard trash requests entered into the online system will be picked up on the following Monday, 12/2/24.
  • The is the link for adding an online work order: https://townoflakelure.novokiosk.com/ 
  • For future reference: This link is on the home page of the Town’s website under “Fix It”:

Note: County Wide Debris Cleanup will occur if you are outside Town limits as well.  The County advised they will make three passes.  They cannot provide a schedule at this time. The US Army Corps of Engineers will also be assisting with debris pick up at a later date.  

Parks Re-opened:

  • The Dittmer-Watts Nature Trails and part of the Lake Lure Green Space (across from the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department) officially reopened to the public on 11/19/24.  Another sign of progress!

Property 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 from Rutherford County are now assisting in efforts. 
  • We are so grateful for their support!

Water Tests:

  • The Town of Lake Lure worked with Clear Water Lab to sample the water at the Broad River (above Lake Lure), at the debris field in the lake (just beyond Morse Park), in the center of Lake Lure, and at the Lake Lure Dam.  Results will be posted here and shared in Town News. The results are posted at the following link: https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/lake-lure-water-sample-reports

West-end Sewer System:

  • Materials are in and contractors are ready to proceed with the work on the west-end sewer system.  The Town is awaiting easements to begin the work.

Reservoir Drain Project:

  • The reservoir drain project at the dam has resumed. 
  • The drain will allow the town to lower the lake up to 20 feet, if needed.  

Thanksgiving Holiday:

  • The Town of Lake Lure and most contractors will be on a Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday and Friday, 11/28-29/24. 
  • We hope you and your family and friends have a blessed Thanksgiving.

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.
  • 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.

As of 11/16/24, 8,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the lake.

  • 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 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.

QUESTIONS

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

For questions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com

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