Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates 11/22/24

112124 Dave DiOrio and others with President Biden

Please take a moment to review the Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates and information for Friday, 11/22/24.  Here are today’s top updates with the details incorporated below.

  • Lake Lure at the White House!  Lake Lure Mayor Pro-Tem Dave DiOrio joined a North Carolina delegation to Washington DC, led by Governor Cooper and Gov-Elect Stein. They met with the President and all our Congressional Representatives to support a $25.6 billion dollar request for disaster assistance. The delegation explained the devastating impact of the storm in the mountain areas that caused more severe damage than a typical lowland tidal surge. Dr. DiOrio, along with Chimney Rock Mayor O’Leary, briefed our representatives and several key federal agencies on the Hickory Nut Gorge storm impact and what is needed to recover. Much of our infrastructure was flooded beyond repair or physically washed away requiring an immediate need for new resilient systems located out of flood plains. Our dam is a key component of the regional flood mitigation network and a case was made for a new modern structure. These efforts require significant federal funding well beyond anything North Carolina has previously requested. Our representative leadership in Washington offered full support and there is a high degree of confidence that a substantial recovery appropriation bill (the first of many) will be signed by mid-December. This appropriation will fill the federal agency coffers and provide North Carolina with a pool of capital that is expected to expedite our progress on specific projects. Stay tuned to these updates as new information becomes available.     
  • Additional Media Releases:
  • Action: Over 10,260 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the lake as of 11/21/24. The Town is working with FEMA and the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and they have permitted the current debris locations which are in Morse Park and behind the Fire Station. The Town is following guidance from FEMA and NC DEQ on the debris and silt removal process. Any hazardous debris is removed from the Town of Lake Lure as soon as it is removed from the lake.  Once non-hazardous debris is removed from the lake it is taken to the staging area behind the Fire Department.  The debris is sorted and then hauled away from there. 
  • Boys Camp Road Temporary Bridge Update: A new temporary bridge will be constructed on Boys Camp Road on 11/to 25/24 – 11/26/24. 
    • Construction will begin on 11/25/24 at 7:00 AM. (Note that trash will be picked up for the area before the road is closed that morning.)
    • The gravel bridge will be built near the temporary ford currently in use.  
    • Due to the new positioning of the temporary bridge, the ford will have to be removed to install the new river crossing.
    • The temporary bridge will include 5 culverts and it will be elevated above the water.   
    • Crews will be working to level out the bridge so it has less of an incline.
    • Constructing the bridge will take about 48 hours and the road will not be passable during this time.
    • There will be no vehicle access during the construction period.
    • The Fire Department will stage emergency vehicles beyond the bridge to provide support as needed during the 48 hour timeframe.
    • The new temporary bridge will be open at 7:00 AM on Wednesday, 11/27/24.

FOR THOSE NEEDING TO DEPART BOYS CAMP ROAD DURING CONSTRUCTION

  • A walking path will be set up for anyone needing to leave the area during construction.
  • Firefighters will be available 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM and from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM to assist anyone needing to walk over the path both days.  The path will be open at all times.
  • A 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)
  • FEMA Updates: See updated Fact Sheets for 11/19/24 and 11/20/24 at the following link: https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/fema-resources-and-information
    • Private Roads and Bridges: FEMA funding is available to support repairs on private roads and bridges, even if your primary home is not damaged. Volunteer organizations may also be able to help. For more information or to schedule an inspection, call 1-800-621-3362.
    • Direct Temporary Housing Assistance: FEMA offers several types of housing assistance and temporary shelter solutions for eligible households. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance is approved for 25 counties as an interim solution to permanent housing needs. Learn more about housing assistance options and eligibility by watching this video: Direct Housing Assistance available in North Carolina for Helene Survivors.
    • Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) is Still Available: Through TSA, FEMA pays directly to participating hotels and motels to cover the cost of room, taxes and non- refundable pet fees to provide short term accommodations for eligible disaster survivors. If you are eligible for TSA, FEMA will notify you using the contact information you provided on your application.
  • 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.
    • Thank you for your patience with this change.
    • 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 as well if you are outside Town limits. The US Army Corps of Engineers will also be assisting with debris pick up at a later date. Lake shore debris pick up will also occur at a later date which will be announced.
  • 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.
  • Lake Level: Currently 986.7 and holding 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
  • Parks Re-opened: The Dittmer-Watts Nature Trails and part of the Lake Lure Green Space (across the street from the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department) officially reopen to the public on 11/19/24.  Another sign of progress!
  • Pressure Reducing Valve Construction - Planned Water Disruption and Boil Advisory 11/20/24: The Boil Water Advisory was lifted 11/22/24.
  • 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. The results are better than anticipated given the catastrophic hurricane on 9/27/24; however, the lake is closed to everyone except licensed contractors and Town staff.  Test results will be repeated as recommended by the NC Department of Environmental Quality.  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

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.
  • 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 (PRL) 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: Boats are being removed in coordination with boat owners. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation.
  • All other motorized and non-motorized boats will be removed as they become accessible. 
  • 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 underway. This drain valve will allow the lake to be lowered to 20 feet, if needed.
  • The Lake Level will remain at approximately 4 feet below full pond, (+/- 1 foot) for now.  
  • The lake drawdown previously scheduled for 1/1/25 has been cancelled and updates will be provided here.  

LAKE/DEBRIS/SILT:

  • The Army Corp of Engineer’s contractor AshBritt Environmental and other approved contractors are working to remove debris from the lake.  They have removed 10,260 cubic years thus far.
  • The priority is removing all hazardous debris and then silt and sediment removal will begin under a separate contract.
  • Debris will be removed from properties around the lake once the hazardous debris in the main channel is out of the way.  A timeline will be shared in these updates as dates are confirmed.
  • Water will be tested and results will be posted once the results are obtained

 RESOURCES/FEMA ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION

AMERICAN RED CROSS COUNSELING RESOURCES:

  • To reach the Disaster Distress Helpline and be connected with a trained crisis counselor, disaster survivors and responders can do the following: 
  • For English, call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. 
  • For Spanish, call 1-800-985-5990 and press "2" or text the following: o From the U.S., text Hablanos to 66746 o From Puerto Rico, text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663 
  • For Deaf/Hard of Hearing o Text DeafDDH to 66746 o Use the preferred relay service to call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990, TTY: 1-800-846-8517 
  • For over 100 other languages, call 1-800-985-5990, indicate to the responding counselor the primary language, and they will add to the call a live, third-party interpreter.

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

  • Disaster Recovery Center (DRC): The Town of Lake Lure, NC’s new DRC is open at the Mountains Branch Library, 150 Bill's Creek Rd, Lake Lure, NC.
  • Effective 11/25/24: The hours are 8AM – 6PM Monday-Friday, Saturdays 9AM – 2PM, and closed on Sundays.
  • FEMA App: Use the FEMA app to apply directly from your smartphone. 
  • Online: Visit www.disasterassistance.gov to apply. 
  • If you recently applied for disaster assistance & disagree with the decision letter, you can submit an appeal

      within 60 days. For questions visit the Disaster Recovery Center or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.

  • By Phone: Call 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative.

RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

  • Was your small business harmed by Hurricane Helene? The Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative is here to help. The initiative is partnering with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants up to $25,000 to very small businesses across the region that sustained physical damage from Hurricane Helene. https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/wnscb-grant/
  • Do you run a business or are you a business owner impacted by Hurricane Helene? A wide variety of assistance programs are available to help you jumpstart your recovery. There are many assistance programs available across the federal government designed to help you and your business. Download this guide will help you get started at the following link: https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/help-businesses-north-carolina-impacted-hurricane-helene
  • The Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene can be found at the following link:  https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/hurricane-helene
  • Lowe’s Western North Carolina Small Business Recovery Fund: Lowe’s and LISC have joined forces to award $2 million in grants to small businesses in Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. Grants will be awarded through a competitive online application process administered by LISC. 

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

  • The Town of Lake Lure is open but we are still in the Storm Recovery Phase and will be for some time.
  • Expect delays from working crews and please use caution when driving in the area due to road construction and debris removal.
  • Boys Camp Road Bridge:  A temporary gravel bridge will be constructed 11/25-26/24 and the road will be closed to vehicles. The Road will be closed. We are currently obtaining design specifications for the permanent Boys Camp Road Bridge.  Details: https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/boys-camp-road-closure-tem...
  • Proctor Road: A landslide has occurred on Proctor Road. NC DOT is assessing the costs for these repairs.
  • 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. Additional Town Offices are being opened in the Arcade Building.
  • 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:

  • Dittmer Watts Nature Trails and the Green Space across the street from the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department is open. All other Town Parks and Trails are temporarily closed for assessment and clearing. 
  • Morse Park and the Lake Lure Welcome Center are closed and are only accessible to construction workers.
  • 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!

UTILITIES/TRASH

CELL SERVICE:

  • The plans for the new Cell Tower are continuing to be developed and new information will be posted as new information becomes available and an updated timeline is confirmed.   

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 DEQ, lifted the No Flush Order on 10/28/24.
  • There are still a few homes on the west side of Town Center that remain on a No Flush Order as additional repairs are made nearby.  These property owners have been made aware. We are working to make repairs as soon as possible 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. Repairs are being made to the existing plant and to the access road near the plant.
  • The Town is working closely with the NC DEQ on all water and sewer-related projects.

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: 

  • Hard Trash Pick-up: 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”:
  • County wide Debris Pickup: Please place trees, limbs, stumps, 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. Do not place 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.
  • Polk County Solid Waste (Transfer Station/Landfill): 828-894-3737, NC 9 HWY. 2 miles above 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 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.

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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