Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates 10/27/24

Flowering Bridge After Hurricane Helene and on 102524

The following are Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates and information for Sunday, 10/27/24. Cleanup efforts throughout Town and in the lake have been extraordinary!  We have a long way to go but the progress that has been made in the past month is unbelievable. After the catastrophic hurricane, debris was piled up over 30 feet high above the bridges in Town.  As you can see from the bottom photo taken on 10/25/24, tremendous progress has been made to remove debris in the entire area.

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

  • Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE): AshBritt Environmental is serving as the Army Corps of Engineers rapid-response disaster recovery and special environmental services contractor. Since its inception in 1992, AshBritt has conducted over 500 disaster response missions and 52 special environmental projects, successfully serving more than 600 clients across the United States. They have a 160 day period of performance which begins on 10/28/24. They will be working with Town crews and contractors on lake debris and silt removal and will be bringing in additional equipment to support debris removal. The Town has worked with FEMA and the Department of Environmental Quality and they have permitted the current debris locations which are currently in Morse Park and behind the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department on the Green Space. The Town is following guidance from FEMA and DEQ on the debris and silt removal process and an EPA consultation has been requested.
  • Boat Houses: Boat Houses will be assessed in the coming weeks.
  • 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.  Community Development will provide additional guidance directly to contractors.
  • Dam: Morgan Corporation is continuing the repairs to the abutment where water eroded the side of the dam.  The left abutment repairs are complete and they are shifting to the work on the right side. 
  • Dam Bridge: The Dam Bridge is in good shape and emergency vehicles are able to get through if needed. Guard rails are being put in place on Buffalo Shoals Road and the road should open to the public within a week or so.
  • FEMA: See multiple FEMA updates on deadlines and new information below.
  • Free Food and Household Supplies: Foothills Health District and Rutherford County Emergency Management are hosting a community-wide drive-thru event to distribute emergency supplies and food for Hurricane Helene recovery. It's on Friday, Nov 1st, from 9AM-4PM at 241 Vance St, Warehouse 7, Forest City. Drive-thru only. Public welcome.
  • Hard Trash/Debris Pick Up: Reminder for Hard Trash/Debris Pick Up within the Town of Lake Lure on Friday mornings.  Note County Wide Debris Cleanup as well.
  • Lake Debris: Crews removed 650 tons of debris from the lake the week after the hurricane.  Since that time crews have removed over 640 dump trucks full of debris.
  • Small Business Administration: SBA disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/hurricane-helene
  • Utilities: Progress continues with sewer system repairs – we are hopeful the system may be restored by the end of the week! A bypass pump was installed on 10/25/24 but it did not meet demand for capacity. Crews are working to install a second pump that we hope will resolve the issues. We will provide updates as crews continue to work to restore the system. 

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. 
  • Crews are working to remove debris as quickly as possible to minimize environmental impacts. 
  • They are making tremendous progress everyday! It is estimated that approximately 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 ONLY 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. 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: Boat owners should contact the General Manager for information.
  • All other motorized and non-motorized boats will be removed at a later date. 
  • All salvageable non-motorized vessels will be kept in one location for retrieval 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 their whereabouts will be kept by the PRL Department.

BOAT HOUSES

  • Boat houses will be assessed in the coming weeks by Community Development and engineers. Please stay tuned for updates as plans evolve. Town officials will communicate directly with property owners.

DAM/LAKE LEVELS

  • The Lake Lure Dam remains stable and emergency repairs are being made to the dam abutments.
  • Nearby areas of Buffalo Creek Road have also been repaired and the road will be reopened once guard rails have been added near the dam, within the next week or so. 
  • 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.  
  • The lake drawdown previously scheduled for 1/1/25 has been canceled and updates will be provided.  

LAKE/DEBRIS/SILT:

  • AshBritt, PRL crews, and contractors continue to work to remove debris from the lake.  
  • The priority is removing all hazardous debris and then silt and sediment removal will begin.
  • Debris will be removed from properties around the lake once the hazardous debris is out of the way.
  • Water will be tested at the Rocky Broad, in several locations in Lake Lure, and in the Broad River below the dam Results will be posted in these updates.

 RESOURCES/FEMA ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION

FEMA

  • Rutherford County:  Isothermal Community College, Foundation Performing Arts Center, 286 ICC Loop Road Spindale NC 288160

FEMA UPDATES: https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/fema-resources-and-information

  • Individual Assistance Deadlines: Applications for Serious Needs Assistance (colloquially known as the $750 FEMA provides) are due October 27, 2024. The application period for all other Individual Assistance Programs aren’t due until November 27, 2024.
  • Houses of Worship and Private Nonprofit Eligibility: If a House of Worship (church, synagogue, mosque, etc.) was damaged as a direct result of the storm OR if a private nonprofit (ex. Certain types of schools, day care facilities, hospitals, etc.) are interested in applying for Public Assistance they may be eligible to receive funding from FEMA. An important nuance here is that costs incurred by a House of Worship or PNP that was doing things like food distribution, shelters, etc. are typically not reimbursable directly to the organization as those are typically the responsibility of the Local or County government. These are tricky waters to navigate, so I urge you to share but with these caveats. I don’t want to overpromise and under deliver.
  • Local Hire Opportunities: Recognizing that the people who know the area best are its locals, FEMA is looking to fill positions in everything from Media Relations or Emergency Management Specialists, to Environmental Floodplain Specialists to help aid in the recovery of Western North Carolina. Here’s an example of a Local Hire Job Posting for a Disaster Survivor Assistant Specialist looks like and I can tell you from personal experience that using the “How To” section to is so great to help understand what the process is/can be.
  •  Direct Temporary Housing Assistance (DTHA) Available for Hurricane Helene Survivors: FEMA’s DTHA program seeks to provide safe, secure housing to eligible disaster survivors who have no other housing solution and for whom financial assistance is insufficient to meet the need. FEMA Direct Housing is designed to provide more comfortable living circumstances for survivors who need months or longer to find a permanent housing solution
  • Additional documents include an explainer that sometimes FEMA calls come from an unknown phone number to help soften concerns with regards to that and additional information for temporary sheltering and housing solutions.

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), at Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach at 2556 Memorial Hwy, or at Ridgeline Heating and Air 1618 Bills Creeks Rd. 

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.

https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/unemployment-and-job-assistance-victims-hurricane-helene

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.

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. 
  • Boys Camp Road Bridge: The Town is awaiting the approval of an easement in order to be able to proceed with a temporary bridge. This has taken longer than originally expected so other options are being explored. Cones and signage will be added to the temporary ford to help with visibility. Town Officials ask that homeowners and contractors limit passage in and out of Boys Camp Road to preserve the temporary ford. Use extreme caution when fording across the river.  
  • Proctor Road: A landslide has occurred on Proctor Road and Morgan Corporation has been consulted to help make the repairs.
  • Town Center Master Plan: Town officials are recommending that the Town Center Master Plan be updated as a mitigation need due to the necessity for egress/ingress to Chimney Rock State Park.
  • 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.
  • Chimney Rock Village: Traffic to 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 Morse 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.
  • The Cell Tower planned for Boys Camp Road is moving forward The Town is awaiting approval from the FCC.

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 80 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! A bypass pump was installed on 10/25/24 but it did not meet demand for capacity. Crews are working to install a second pump that we hope will resolve the issues. We will provide updates as crews continue to work to restore the system. Emergency repairs are being made and you may read further details here.  
  • Plans are moving forward to rebuild a new Waste water Treatment Plant on higher ground and outside of the flood zone.
  • 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: 

  • Town of Lake Lure Debris Pickup: Public Works crews removed 121 truckloads of debris and hard trash from Town homeowners in the past two weeks. 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.
  • County wide Debris Pickup: Please place trees, limb s, stumps, and other plant debris loose along the edge of the road – do not bag it.  Stumps should be placed with other debris, not taken to the landfill. Over the next few weeks, crews will collect debris. Avoid placing debris near fire hydrants, water meters, mailboxes, or power poles.
  • Shoreline Debris: 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.
  • Additional Dumpsters: The Town has added dumpsters in the Dittmer-Watts parking lot (across from Ingles on Highway 9) to assist residents with household trash.  
  • Bill’s Creek Convenience Center remains open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday. (Closed Wednesdays and Sundays) 
  • Polk County Solid Waste (Transfer Station and Landfill): 828-894-3737, NC 9 HWY two miles north of Mill Springs.    
  • Rutherford County Landfill: (828) 287-6125, 656 Laurel Hill Dr, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
  • Burn Permits: 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

YARD CLEANUP GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE

  • The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management has provided the following information regarding soil and sediment management during cleanup efforts.
  • 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 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.
  • 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 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: 

Questions

For questions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com

 

 

 

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