Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates 10/31/24

AshBritt Mobilization of Barges

 

Please take a moment to review the Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates and information for Thursday, 10/31/24.  Here are today’s headlines with the details incorporated below.

  • Mobilization: The Army Corps of Engineers contractor is mobilizing and preparing to expedite the debris removal from the lake. They have brought in the following equipment to help them manage the process.  You can see some of the barges being put into the lake here.
    • Two 30’ x 30’ Platform Barges (Six 6.5’ x 30’ Platform Barges and Four 7.5’ x 15’ Platform Barges)
    • Two  12’ x 40’ Platform Barges
    • Two 45’ x 53’ Excavator Platforms (Twelve 7.5’ x 30 Barges)
    • Two Self Propelled 10’ x 30’ Barges
    • Three Long Reach Excavators
    • Five Boats
    • One Mini Excavator
    • One 10’ x 30’ Barge
    • One 12’ x 32 Barge
  • Dam Bridge Now Open: Another sign of progress in the Town of Lake Lure! The Dam Bridge on Buffalo Shoals Road is now open.
  • Important Information for Contractors: Please visit the following link for information  

https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/contractors-statement-position-affecting-development-activities-involving-waters-lake

  • Vacation Rental Updates: There are no further restrictions on commercial properties. 
  • Boats: Hazardous boats are being removed from the lake and owners will be contacted as soon as your boat has been removed. Over 50 boats have been removed from the Washburn Marina thus far.  See details below.
  • Boat Houses: See important information below.
  • 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!
  • Dam: The Lake Lure Dam remains stable.  Morgan Corporation is continuing the repairs to the abutment where water eroded the side of the dam.  One thousand tons of rock were used to stabilize the abutment.  The work on the right abutment is moving forward. 
  • FEMA Request for Public Assistance Deadline Extended: The Request for Public Assistance deadline has been extended to January 7, 2025.  You still have an opportunity to apply for FEMA assistance. So do any churches, private nonprofits, schools, or other organizations which may have had disaster impacts who aren’t in the system currently.  The application period for all other Individual Assistance Programs aren’t due until November 27, 2024.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 if you are outside Town limits.

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. 

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.  Owners may call 828-625-9983 x 505 to ask questions.
  • Boat owners will be contacted by the contractor after their boat has been removed from the lake.
  • 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.  
  • 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. If you have concerns regarding the structural viability of your boat houses, please send an email message to kmartin@townoflakelure.com in Community Development.  She will coordinate an assessment of your boat house in the coming weeks.  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 right abutment.  The left abutment has been stabilized.
  • 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 cancelled 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.  These results will be posted once they are obtained.

RESOURCES/FEMA ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION

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

  • Request for Public Assistance Deadline Extended: The Request for Public Assistance deadline has been extended to January 7, 2025. You still have an opportunity to apply for FEMA assistance! So do any churches, private nonprofits, schools, or other organizations which may have had disaster impacts who aren’t in the system currently. The application period for all other Individual Assistance Programs aren’t due until November 27, 2024.
  • NC Local Hire Flyer: FEMA is hiring local folks to help the recovery in Western North Carolina. It’s a variety of positions from environmental and historic preservation to emergency management specialists. Please consider sharing with your folks.
  • Disaster Recovery Center (DRC): The Town of Lake Lure, NC’s new DRC is open 7 days a week from 8AM – 7PM at the Mountains Branch Library, 150 Bill's Creek Rd, Lake Lure, NC.
  • 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 is Seeking Lodging to House Disaster Survivors: FEMA is seeking both multifamily and residential properties to lease for Helene survivors. The fact sheets are at the link above for any interested businesses/lodging providers who may want to participate.  
  • 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

 

FUNDING: The General Assembly has approved additional disaster assistance, providing another $604 million aimed at helping western North Carolina recover from storm damage caused by Hurricane Helene. https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/general-assembly-approves-604-million-additional-disaster-assistance

 

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

  • Use caution when driving in the area due to road construction and debris removal.
  • Expect delays from working crews. 
  • Boys Camp Road Bridge: Plans are underway to rebuild the Boys Camp Rd. Bridge.  The temporary ford will be reinforced and a culvert will be added to raise the ford to dry ground until the permanent bridge is built.
  • 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 entry. Entry is restricted to all others except workers or approved volunteers.  The NC Highway Patrol has a checkpoint at The Hickory Nut Store.

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.
  • The remaining portion of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is closed and is unsafe due to structural damage.  No access is permitted. Our hearts are broken over the loss of this exquisite masterpiece!
  • 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 plans for the new Cell Tower are continuing to be developed.   

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 79 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.  
  • The Town, in coordination with the NC Department of Environmental Quality, lifted the No Flush Order on 10/28/24.
  • There are still a few homes near Town Center that will remain on a No Flush Order as additional repairs are made nearby.  These property owners have been made aware. We anticipate these repairs being made in the near future and updates will be provided 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 177 truckloads of debris and hard trash from Town homeowners in the past three 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.  
  • County wide Debris Pickup: Please place trees, limbs, 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 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.
  • Army Corps of Engineers contract signed with AshBritt Environmental to oversee lake debris and silt/sedimentation removal during a 160 day period of performance beginning 10/28/24.  
  • Emergency repairs to the sewer system completed, allowing the "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.
  • 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

  • Permanent repairs to the sewer system, lift station, and Waste Water Treament Plant.
  • 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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