Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates 12/31/24

Take a moment to review the Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates and information for Tuesday, 12/31/24.   

• Lake Restoration Status: Please note that although improvements in and around the Lake are very encouraging, the debris and silt/sedimentation process is ongoing.  The timeline for reopening the lake remains uncertain at this time. The restoration process is unprecedented and is also impacted by funding.  Likewise, plans for rebuilding the Washburn Marina are also dependent upon future funding.  All updates will be posted as new information becomes available and decisions are made.   

• NC Funding Updates: Governor Roy Cooper announced donations of $15.5 million made to the NC Disaster Relief Fund are going to the North Carolina Community Foundation to help with Hurricane Helene long-term recovery and unmet needs. “We are so grateful for this outpouring of generosity toward the people of western North Carolina,” Governor Cooper said. “Recovering from Hurricane Helene will be a marathon and each and every donation helps.”  The NC Community Foundation will use the funds along with another $12 million the foundation has raised to support long-term recovery and unmet needs through grants to nonprofits serving western North Carolina. Gov. Cooper established the state’s relief fund to raise donations to help western North Carolina rebuild following the unprecedented destruction caused by the storm. In total, donors contributed $16,820,346 to the NC Disaster Relief Fund, with $1,272,391.54 going to immediate needs grants for nonprofits working in hard-hit areas through the United Way of North Carolina.

  •  Note: A Financial Support/Application Summary is included at the end of this update. Stay tuned to updates at the Lake Lure Town Council Meetings on local funding.

• FEMA Updates: Individual Assistance Deadline Extended! At the request of the Governor, FEMA has granted North Carolina an extension for disaster survivors to apply for federal assistance until February 6, 2025. Homeowners and renters in the impacted counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with uninsured losses from Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible to apply for FEMA assistance. Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply at the local Disaster Recovery Center at the Mountains Branch Library, online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or on the FEMA App, on mobile devices, or call the FEMA Helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362.  Please visit the following link to review the full library of FEMA documents provided in response to Hurricane Helene: https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/fema-resources-and-information

• Debris Removal Updates: The US Army Corps of Engineers in coordination with AshBritt Environmental and local contractors continue efforts to remove debris.  As of 12/29/24:

  • Over 20,673 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the lake.
  • Over 19,349 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the right of way.
  • Over 22,575 tons of sediment and silt have been removed from Town and the parks.

  • USACE has removed enough #HurricaneHelene debris in North Carolina to fill approximately 54,000 dump trucks. USACE contractors collect approximately 10,000-15,000 cubic yards of #debris per day, including trees, refrigerators, and more.

• Lake Level: The Lake is about 2 feet below full pond (987.5 - +/- a foot).  The lake is being maintained at this level for optimum debris removal.  If there are plans to change the level, this information will be posted in Town News and on Facebook.  As a reminder, only approved contractors are allowed on the lake, even if the level rises.    

• ONLY APPROVED CONTRACTORS MAY GO ON THE LAKE! For everyone’s safety, Lake Lure is closed except for approved contractors.  The timeline for Lake restoration is uncertain at this time.  The timeline for removing all of the debris, silt, and sedimentation is unknown.  Updates regarding Lake restoration and the timeline for reopening the Lake will be provided here as new information becomes available.   

• Shoreline Debris Removal: Contractors are continuing to work to remove debris from the shoreline.  They will remove shoreline debris in the water and up to 5 feet above full pond.  Contractors are keenly aware of the shifting debris. Crews are making their way around the lake and will make additional passes to certain areas to get as much of the debris out as possible.

•  Lake Silt/Sedimentation Removal: The next phase of work through the USACE will be for silt and sedimentation removal from the lake. You may think of this as dredging, but the terminology used by USACE is silt/sedimentation removal rather than dredging.  We are eager to reach this stage of the recovery process and will post updates as new information becomes available.  

• Water Quality Tests: The Town is continuing to test water quality in the Broad River and in the Lake. The latest water quality tests are posted at the following link along with the history of the results. https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/lake-lure-water-sample-reports

• 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.

• Support from Community Partners: The Town of Lake Lure is very grateful to Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure for their ongoing partnership!  Not only have they supported the debris removal from their shoreline, they are supporting the Town by hosting Town Council Meetings at Legend’s on Lake Lure on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 PM, beginning in January.  We thank you Rumbling Bald leadership and community for their ongoing partnership and support!

• 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.

• NC DOT updates on Highway 64: A temporary road is expected to be open between Chimney Rock and Hendersonville is by January 31, 2025. https://drivenc.gov/?type=incident&id=715074

• Cell Tower: Plans for building the cell tower off Boys Camp Road (behind Town Hall and across the river) are ongoing.  The purpose for this location is that it provides the greatest reach for first responders across the Hickory Nut Gorge.  The permits were all approved prior to the Hurricane Helene hit.  Crews were preparing to begin construction which was scheduled about two weeks later. The position of the cell tower is shifting slightly so the new location is being re-verified and the latest estimated target date is to begin construction in the spring of 2025.  The property is currently being cleared of debris and sediment in preparation for the upcoming construction.

• 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 precedence 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)

• For assistance with boathouse clean up you may contact Communications@townoflakelure.com for resources.

     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

• Gotcha Covered Boat & Marine

• Lake Lure Dock

• Lake Lure Marine

• Lake Response/TowBoatUS

• Master Dock

• Sea Tow

     Sea Tow and Lake Response/TowBoatUS are able to remove boats from boat houses and transport them to the lake for removal. 

• Boat Retrieval:

  • Motorized Boats: 278 motorized boats have been removed from the lake thus far. 

  • Non-Motorized Boats: 93 non-motorized boats have been recovered with 30 non-motorized boats have been returned to their owners. If non-motorized boats have a prior permit, the owners are being contacted. 

            If you are looking for a non-motorized boat, you may contact the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department at prladmin@townoflakelure.com for assistance locating your vessel.

• Commercial Contractors: Approved commercial building contractors in the commercial model include:

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

•  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 occur on Fridays.

  • 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 is also assisting with debris pick up through a contract with AshBritt.  

• Sewer System: Plans for the sewer system restoration/replacement project are uncertain at this time as the Town is awaiting updates on potential funding.  In the meantime, the lift station repairs below the dam are going well.  Everything is mechanically connected. We are running on portable pumps now.  The Waste Water Treatment Plants is operational and work is being done to fully restore the plant.

• West-end Sewer System: Materials are in and contractors are ready to proceed with the work on the West-end sewer system.  The Town has been working hard to obtain easements and we are awaiting these easements to begin the work.  The work cannot begin until the easements are obtained from property owners.

• Reminder - Utility Bills Resume in January: Please note that utility billing will resume in 2025.

• Reservoir Drain Project: The reservoir drain project at the dam is underway. The last concrete pours were completed behind the dam.  The drain will allow the town to lower the lake beyond 12 feet, if needed.  The target date for testing and project completion has shifted to January.

• Park and Trail Updates:  

  • Dittmer-Watts Nature Trails (across from Ingles on Highway 9) are now open for public enjoyment.

  • Part of the Lake Lure Green Space (across the street from the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department) is open for public enjoyment.

  • Pool Creek Picnic Park (adjacent to the Lake Lure Beach) is open for public enjoyment.

  • All other parks and trails are currently closed including Morse Park, the remaining portion of the Flowering Bridge, Buffalo Creek Park, Weed Patch Mountain Trail, Young’s Mountain Trail.

       Note: AshBritt Environment is in the process of removing the debris and silt from Morse Park.

• Once this work is complete, the Town will be working on the Morse Park Master Plan with a goal to return the park to its former beauty for recreational use and enjoyment. 
• The timeline for this work is uncertain due to the ongoing restoration efforts.  
• The Town is also working with Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, the Carolina Climbers Coalition, and AmeriCorps to restore Buffalo Creek Park and Weed Patch Mountain Trail.
• Unfortunately, these trails sustained significant damage from the hurricane as well.

• Boys Camp Road Permanent Bridge: The temporary bridge on Boys Camp Road is performing well but a permanent bridge is being designed.  A timeline for this project is uncertain at this time.

• Town Hall and Town Staff: Town Hall was flooded and is closed at this time, as is the Welcome Center.   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.  For questions, you may email Communications@townoflakelure.com.

         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.

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: 

• Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach: https://hickorynutgorgeoutreach.org/one-time-donation/

• RHI Legacy Foundation will match any donation up to $50,000 at www.rhilegacyfoundation.com

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

• Hurricane Helene – Força Foundation https://forcafoundation.com/hurricane-helene/

• Restore Lake Lure Fundraising Campaign: www.RestoreLakeLure.com "The Restore Lake Lure campaign seeks to bridge the gap between governmental support and personal sacrifice."

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. The Town is working with ICF, disaster management planning experts.  They are assisting the Town with post-disaster federal funding applications to expedite our recovery process.

 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 12/31/24, Over 20,673 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the lake, 19,349 cubic yards of

debris have been removed from the right of way, 22,575 tons of sediment and silt have been removed from Town and the parks.

• 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 in Town News at www.townoflakelure.com

For questions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com