Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates 2/28/25

Lake Lure 2/28/25

 

Please take a moment to review the Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates and information as of Friday, 2/28/25.  

LAKE STATUS

  • Lake Levels: The current Lake Level is 990 Mean Sea Level (MSL) as of 2/28/25. 

  • The Town will be lowering the Lake Level to about 988 - 988.5 MSL over the weekend to support the work of the divers working on the reservoir drain. 

  • The Lake will remain at this level until their work is complete, hopefully next week. 

  • The Town will consult with the US Army Corp of Engineers and AshBritt regarding the optimal lake level for the ongoing work of removing debris once the divers have finished their project at the dam. 

  • Updates will be posted here when further decisions are made regarding the Lake Level.        

  • Lake Use in 2025: Town Council and Town leadership are keenly aware of the importance of reopening the Lake as soon as it is safe to do so.  Given the timing of the work that has been completed thus far and the need for ongoing work moving forward, it is extremely unlikely that the Lake will be able to open for the 2025 summer season. At this time, this includes motorized and non-motorized vessels as well as swimming.  Please note that Town Council and Town leadership will continue to evaluate options for opening the Lake or portions of the Lake if these options are possible.  The Town is awaiting approval and a timeline from FEMA and the USACE for subsurface debris, silt, and sedimentation removal before any further decisions can be made. The Town has submitted a detailed request for this work and we have been advised that we will hear something very soon.

  • Washburn Marina/Boat Slips: Plans for rebuilding the Washburn Marina are also dependent upon future funding.  We will continue to keep you informed with any updates as new information becomes available.  All marina slips are being reserved for existing slip renters and updates will be posted as new information becomes available. 

  • Boat Permits: Boat permits will not become available until the Lake reopens.

  • Water Quality Tests: Town officials are happy to report that the turbidity readings are decreasing. As turbidity decreases, the color of the water will begin to return to normal. Turbidity is the measurement of water clarity (i.e., transparency).  The areas with higher turbidity have low total suspended solids (TSS), which measures the weight of the particles suspended in the water. This confirms that the turbidity is being caused by light-weight fine particles suspended in the water. The turbidity readings should continue to decrease, as more fine silt particles settle out of the water. All of the other parameters are within normal range.

You may review the updated spreadsheet which illustrates all the water sample data received by the Town of Lake Lure.  The latest water quality tests (2/5/25) are posted at the following link along with the history of the results. https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/lake-lure-water-sample-reports

 

     FREE PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL BUSINESS PROPERTY DEBRIS REMOVAL

The Town of Lake Lure and all those in areas code 28746 are eligible to apply for a free option for debris removal.  Owners who cannot take their private or commercial business property debris to the right of way (ROW) for pickup and who do not have debris removal insurance or have inadequate debris removal insurance, may apply to have qualified disaster debris removed from their property for FREE through the Private and Commercial Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures on both private and commercial business properties. Follow this link for additional information and the online application.  https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/storm-debris-after-helene-private-and-commercial-business-property-debris-removal

How long with the process take?

The PPDR program requires a very thorough process to determine eligibility on private and commercial business properties. Debris removal will be a lengthy process, and we appreciate everyone’s collaboration as we begin to clean up our homes, businesses and communities. 

What types of debris and demolition are eligible under the commercial and PPDR program?

  • Removal of hazardous limbs, trees, or other mixed debris caused by Hurricane Helene that is near a commonly used area or maintained areas of a private or commercial business property.

  • Removal of debris impacting a waterway.

  • The demolition and removal of a structure that is a health hazard, deemed unfit/unsafe, and may not be recoverable, or is in threat of collapse on a private or commercial business property. This may include concrete slabs.

What is NOT eligible under the program?

  • Debris on vacant lots, unimproved property, and unused or unmaintained areas of commercial/business or private property.

  • Debris on land used primarily for agricultural purposes, such as land for crops or livestock on commercial/business or private property.

  • Debris on property which has been accepted into the FEMA Hazard mitigation Assistance Program (HMA) is not eligible for PPDR services.

IMPORTANT MEETINGS

  • NC DOT Meeting: The NC Department of Transportation held a Public Meeting on 2/26/25.  There was no formal presentation but you may download a scanned copy of the informational packet they provided for anyone who was unable to attend. https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/nc-department-transportation-public-meeting-packet-22625-0.  One topic discussed at this forum were the potential entries for Chimney Rock State Park.  The Town of Lake Lure is advocating for two entrances to the Park for emergency response.  You may not be aware but Chimney Rock State Park is actually in the Town of Lake Lure and Lake Lure Fire/Emergency Rescue provides coverage to this area.  Lago Vista Road could be extended in less than six months and would allow for the opening of Park quickly to bring in tourism to the area and strengthen the economy. Only a quarter mile of road is needed to connect Lago Vista Road to Chimney Rock State Park Road.

  • American Flood Coalition (AFC) convenes Western NC leaders to launch recovery and resilience partnership: Staff from the American Flood Coalition were on the ground this month in Western North Carolina, supporting communities in their recovery from Hurricane Helene. While there, AFC convened nearly two dozen local leaders (Including Mayor Carol Pritchett and Mayor Pro Tem David DiOrio) to formally launch the WNC Recovery & Resilience Partnership. The Partnership is a regionally led effort to secure financial support, resources, and policy improvements that aid in Helene recovery and better prepare the state for future disasters. It’s also a way to keep the needs of the Western North Carolina region top of mind for the media, state legislature, and Congress. View the video from the meeting featuring Mayor Pro Tem David DiOrio.https://floodcoalition.org/western-nc-leaders-launch-recovery-and-resilience-partnership/  Mayor Pritchett reported that “the forum allowed us to speak with many of the NC Department leaders and to communicate with both NC Senators and Representatives who were at The General Assembly Building. The conversations were very fruitful and help to keep Lake Lure’s profile high in Raleigh. Going forward, AFC will collaborate with members of the Partnership on visits with leaders in both Raleigh, as well as Washington, D.C., to push for policy priorities that streamline recovery and help communities rebuild with resilience in mind.  As a coalition that works at all levels of government, AFC is uniquely positioned to do this work, bringing together local leaders and elevating concerns to push state and federal policymakers to streamline the federal recovery process to better serve communities. 

AFC 0225

AFC - Dave DiOrio

FUNDING UPDATES

  • Senate to review $500 million Hurricane Helene relief bill: RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Senate passed HB 47 on its first reading Wednesday, a largely procedural step as lawmakers consider how to approach the $500 million Hurricane Helene relief bill.  "We were pretty much aware of what (the House was) working with because we're working behind the scenes with them. So we're very pleased with their effort and we're working with them on some tweaks that we're going to make on it over here," said Sen. Timothy Moffitt, a Republican who represents Henderson, Polk, and Rutherford counties. The House version includes $150 million to the Department of Agriculture to be split across the Crop Loss Program, as well as other aid toward farmers, including restoration projects. There's also $140 million for the Home Reconstruction and Repair Project, and $100 million for private road and bridge repair and replacement. Further, money is set aside for the small business infrastructure grant program, debris removal, grants for volunteer organizations helping with disaster response, repairs to fire stations and their vehicles, supplemental rental assistance, and targeted media campaigns and grants for local tourism offices. "We thrive on people who want to come visit us. If we don't have businesses and we don't have workers, then we are not going to recover in the way that we should and as fast as we should. What we need from the Legislature is money to help our businesses reopen," said Sen. Julie Mayfield, a Democrat who represents Buncombe County. Click on the following link to review the ABC11 article: https://abc11.com/post/senate-review-500-million-hurricane-helene-relief-bill/15957554/

  • Another $500M for Hurricane Helene relief in North Carolina passes key hurdle: RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Another $500 million would be spent toward Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina in legislation the state House unanimously approved Tuesday. The measure, if enacted, would add to the funds the Republican-controlled General Assembly already approved in late 2024 to spend on disaster recovery activities following the historic flooding in the mountains in September. But Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, who took office in January, requested earlier this month that legislators approve more than double that amount — $1.07 billion. He says those funds can’t wait until conventional state budget negotiations likely would wrap up early this summer and that struggling businesses, displaced residents and public school students need help now. GOP lawmakers agree more funds need to move fast to the region but say they want to be careful about maximizing federal matching funds and avoiding mistakes after previous storms. They also agree with Stein that more Helene aid will be approved in the months ahead. BY  GARY D. ROBERTSON, Updated 6:57 PM EST, February 25, 2025: https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-legislature-hurricane-helene-aid-governor-73e8348e35d8a13b4135902f40dc601e

IN THE NEWS

  • Western N.C. leaders on Helene relief needs: Mayor Pritchett participated in a panel discussion facilitated by Spectrum News which later aired on Capital Report, a daily news program in Raleigh. The facilitator would like to follow up with a visit to Lake Lure which would continue to raise our profile in the state.  You may view the news report at the following link: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/capital-tonight/2025/02/26/helene-relief-needs-for-wnc (Panel discussion starts at 3:09 – 12:55)

Mayor Pritchett - Spectrum News

LAKE STRUCTURES

Damaged Lake Structures: Community Development Department has created a listing of all damaged lake structures.  If you have not already been contacted by Community Development Staff, you may reach them by contacting them at kmartin@townoflakelure.com or 828-625-9983 x 137.

DEBRIS REMOVAL UPDATES

  • Debris Removal Updates: The USACE, in coordination with AshBritt Environmental and local contractors, continue efforts to remove debris.  As of 2/27/25:

    • Over 40,426 cubic yards (CY) of debris removed from the right of way.

    • Over 31,805 tons of sediment and silt removed from Town.  

    • Over 28421 cubic yards (CY) of debris removed from the Lake.

  • It is estimated that they are over 87% complete with surface level debris removal. We do not have a timeline of completion but the 160 day contract for surface debris removal will end in early April 2025.

  • USACE surveyed Lake Lure and created a 3D map of 720 acres of the lake bottom that is being used to identify Large debris that is underwater, like docks or boats. This debris will be removed in the next phase of work.      The Town of Lake Lure has requested a copy of the survey.  You may review a copy of the USACE Hydrographic Survey at https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/usace-hydrographic-survey

  • Subsurface Lake Debris, Silt, and Sedimentation Removal: The Town has been advised that the vast remaining amount of subsurface debris will have to be removed under a new scope of work.  The Town has been working to develop the details to be included in the new task order.  The next step will be a new contract for this remaining subsurface debris, silt, and sedimentation removal from the Lake. (You may think of this as dredging, but the terminology used by USACE is silt/sedimentation removal.)  We will post updates as new information becomes available from the USACE on these new task orders and timeline, hopefully very soon.  

  • 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.  If they have not reached your property, they will get there soon.

  • Rutherford County Debris Removal/Free Mulch: Rutherford County has also been removing debris from the roadways. Rutherford County is giving away free double-ground mulch-like product on a first come, first served basis while supplies last beginning January 27, 2025. The mulch is available at the Rutherford County Landfill, 656 Laurel Hill Drive, Rutherfordton. Hours for pickup are Monday-Friday 10:00 am-2:00 pm.  

SEWER SYSTEM UPDATES

  • Plans for the sewer system restoration/replacement project are uncertain at this time as the Town is awaiting updates on potential funding through FEMA.  

  • 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 Plant is now operational.   

  • All related work orders are being updated and will be presented in Town Council in February 2025.

  • West-end Sewer System: Materials are in and staged and contractors are ready to proceed with the work on the West-end sewer system as soon as easements are signed.  Town Officials have been trying to obtain easements from property owners whose land requires access to complete the work.  The work cannot begin until these easements are signed.  Town Council took legal steps to expedite the process on 1/14/25. The legal process required 30 days from the date a letter was mailed to property owners who had not signed the easements to allow the work to proceed.  Some property owners have signed the easements in the past week and we are approaching the 30 days now so we are planning for the work to begin in the coming weeks.  In terms of an estimated timeline, the total project could take up to 4 months once they begin, depending on the time it takes to drill through rock, etc.

ROADS

  • 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. Public Works crews are working on Town roads and mud slides every week.

  • Highway 64/74A Between Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village: As of February 2025, Highway 64/74A between Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village is closed as a result of the impacts of Hurricane Helene.  The road is only open to residents, property and business owners, and approved construction workers. A checkpoint is in place at The Hickory Nut store just beyond The Geneva Motel.  Only those with approved passes are allowed through. For questions please contact Chimney Rock Village. 

  • NC DOT updates on Highway 64: A temporary road is expected to be open between Chimney Rock and Hendersonville was estimated by February 28, 2025 but has not been extended to March 31, 2025. https://drivenc.gov/?type=incident&id=715074

  • Proctor Road: The Town has worked with Morgan Corporation to begin addressing the landslide issue, creating additional space for passage until the problems can be fully resolved. A contractor has assessed what it will take to fully repair the road and this proposal will be presented to Town Council for review. 

  • 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.

CELL TOWER

The cell tower site shifted 100 feet back to accommodate the change in the topography due to the storm. It will still be 125 feet from property lines and will be fenced in. The tower will be 195 feet tall and will be a sleek design. The tower is currently going through the permitting process.   It is estimated that we are looking at a three month timeframe for construction to begin.

FEMA UPDATES 

  • FEMA has added an event wide notice for 4827DR-NC (4827DR): Demolition of Private Structures - Key Points for Public Assistance (PA) Applicants

  • Eligibility for Demolition: Demolition is eligible when a structure is unsafe and poses an immediate threat to public safety.

  • If securing the area (e.g., fencing) is enough to prevent danger, demolition is not eligible.

  • Structures that are already condemned before the disaster are not eligible.

  • There are more complex steps/policies involved, please coordinate with your assigned FEMA PDTFL or Program Delivery Manager (PDMG) if you have questions or requests for demolition related to structures impacted by TS Helene.

  • Please click here to be taken to the Grants Portal for more information.

  • FEMA Extends Application Deadline for North Carolinians Affected by Tropical Storm Helene: HICKORY, N.C. – At the request of the state of North Carolina, Tropical Storm Helene survivors now have until March 8, 2025, to apply for assistance with FEMA.  With the extended deadline, FEMA still strongly urges survivors to apply as soon as possible. After the deadline of March 8, you may still submit documents, update your contact information and stay in contact with FEMA regarding your application, but you must apply before the deadline.

  • FEMA Resources: 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

  • Additional Disaster Resources

COUNSELING/MENTAL HEALTH

Crisis Counseling, Mental Health Resources Available for Helene Survivors: The NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Hope4NC Crisis Counseling Program provides immediate support and crisis counseling services for North Carolinians following Helene. Survivors experiencing stress, emotional fatigue, a mental health crisis or just need someone to talk to, can call the Hope4NC Helpline 24/7 at 1-855-587-3463. Services are provided at no cost and are available to anyone residing within the declared 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, regardless of their eligibility for FEMA financial assistance.  Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline is available anytime to provide support. Survivors and responders feeling overwhelmed can call or text 1-800-985-5990 to receive free, confidential support in any language.

SMALL BUSINESS GRANT OPPORTUNITY

How To Apply for the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative II: Was your small business harmed by Hurricane Helene? The Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative II is here to help. The initiative is partnering with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants up to $50,000 (up to $25,000 for businesses with revenue $1,000,000 or less) to small businesses across the region that sustained https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/how-apply-western-north-carolina-small-business-initiative-ii

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

  • The Town approved a contract to work with the Foothills Regional Commission (FRC) in updating the Comprehensive Plan.  The process includes the following deliverables:

    • Survey creation and survey data review.

    • Public input with key community focus groups.

    • Review of Current and Future statistics and demographics.

    • Review of current existing conditions and development patterns.

    • Hold bi-monthly steering committee meetings, anticipating 6 meetings in total over the span of 12 months.

    • 2 traditional public input sessions.

    • Development of short-term and long-term development goals.

    • Webpage for the Plan hosted on the Foothills Regional Commission Website.

    • 2-4 Community Town Halls for public input.

    • All mapping will be provided based upon existing data. No new data will be collected.

    • Mapping will be hosted via the FRC server, and an online interactive map will be available to post on the Town of Lake Lure website after completion.

    • Development of goals and objectives to guide future development.

    • Development of 3-5 Catalyst Projects.

    • Development of timelines and funding sources for Catalyst Projects.

    • Mapping assessments and valuation assessments.

    • The tentative plan is to begin work in late spring - early summer, and to have the process completed by July 2026.

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

  • 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. Please follow this link for additional information on approved contractors. https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/important-update-approved-contractors-lake-lures-commercial-model

HARD TRASH – RIGHT OF WAY DEBRIS PICKUP

  • 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”:

DAM UPDATES

  • The reservoir drain project at the dam is near completion. The drain will allow the Town to lower the lake beyond 12 feet, if needed.  

  • The target date for reservoir drain testing and project completion is coming up soon.

  • The automation system for the Tainter Gates has been installed.

  • Fencing has been installed along the abutments for safety.

  • Schnabel Engineering has developed the work plan for the geotechnical subsurface investigation to support the design of the replacement dam at Lake Lure. 

TOWN HALL AND TOWN STAFF

  • Town Hall was flooded and is closed at this time, as is the Welcome Center.

  • 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.

  •  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 and the staff Directory is located on the Town website at: https://www.townoflakelure.com/contact

  •    For questions, you may email Communications@townoflakelure.com.

BEYOND FEMA – SUPPORT FOR HURRICANE HELENE SURVIVORS

  • Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration: Hurricane Helene has left a very heavy mark on our beloved community.  We know this has been a challenging time for everyone in many ways. Some have lost homes, cars, household items, food and many have had major damage to their property. Some have lost jobs because their business has closed, while others aren’t able to get to their jobs due to close/ damaged or missing roads. It has changed our daily lives. If possible, and as funds allow, The Church of the Transfiguration would like to help you get through this difficult time by providing some financial assistance if you have suffered a loss.  Online Grant Application for Assistance -https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hYCdvBkQiwg_hSeuXgzjxAaKLetjs9a5p8ekZcaLw40/viewform?edit_requested=true

  • Legal Aid NC Helpline: If you wish to contact Legal Aid NC for disaster-related legal issues, call our Helpline: Toll-Free: 1 (866) 219-LANC (5262) 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Legal Aid of North Carolina is not your typical law firm—they are the nonprofit law firm for the state. They are dedicated to delivering justice and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to legal help and support when it matters most. https://legalaidnc.org/what-we-do/

  • NC Department of Insurance (DOI) is coordinating with law enforcement agencies, emergency management, fire departments, rescue squads, charities, churches and civic groups to do everything we can at the state and local level to assist the victims. DOI Consumer Assistance will be on the ground to help with insurance claims and other needs. The following web page is updated with the latest information on the DOI Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. https://www.ncdoi.gov/hurricane-helene-response-and-recovery

  • RHI Legacy Foundation: RHI Legacy is committed to impacting health and wellness in Rutherford County by  making grants to support organizations and initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s grant focus areas: Chronic disease, Healthy Eating, Active Living. www.rhilegacyfoundation.com

  •  The Community Foundation for Western NC (CFWNC) Hurricane Helene Relief and Recovery Effort: (Regional Funders, Donors and Others Coordinating for Hurricane Relief in Western North Carolina). CFWNC activated its Emergency and Disaster Response Fund to accept and disburse funds supporting a regional response and relief efforts in 18 counties of Western North Carolina including the Qualla Boundary on September 29. Funds ensure that nonprofits have the resources they needed for the critical early response and continuing recovery. Administrative fees are waived so that every dollar goes directly to assistance.  *To donate by check: make your check payable to The Community Foundation and mail it to 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Ste. 300, Asheville, NC 28803; please include EDRF in the memo line. $17,498,653 in 394 Grants Awarded as of 1/1/25. To apply for a grant visit:  https://cfwnc.org/initiatives/hurricane-helene-relief-and-recovery
  • North Carolina Community Foundation: Bringing together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about. Mission: to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities. The North Carolina Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund aims to provide assistance in the months and years ahead. “Our Disaster Relief Fund is going to be providing help with long-term recovery and unmet needs. It will complement the work already underway in western North Carolina with grants going out to organizations in early 2025,” said NCCF President and CEO Jennifer Tolle Whiteside.  More than $10 million has been raised so far for the Disaster Relief Fund, including a $7.5 million gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. Visit the following link to apply for a grant: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=nccommunityfoundation

 

WHAT’S OPEN IN LAKE LURE

While the Lake remains closed, beauty still surrounds us in Lake Lure.  There are a number of attractions and activities available in the area in addition to the Lake. Most hotels, lodges, bed & breakfasts, and restaurants are open for business and offering full amenities at this time.  Our local businesses in the area are valued and they will appreciate your patronage!  Please visit the area and encourage others to visit as well.  Here are some of the areas that are open to the public.

Town crews are beginning the process to beautify Morse Park. They will begin to clean up around the Washburn Marina and Park areas.

The Town has received information about a donation for a replacement playground which will be temporarily placed in Pool Creek Picnic Park until a more permanent location can be identified.  

Ongoing work is also taking place at Buffalo Creek Park, Weed Patch Mountain and Upper Boulder Trails by the National Guard, Carolina Climbers Coalition, Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, EcoForesters, and AmeriCorps. We cannot thank them enough for their time and support!

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: 

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. (disaster management planning experts) and Hager Strategic Solutions (lobbyist).  They are assisting the Town with post-disaster federal funding applications and requests to expedite our recovery process.

There are 29 projects that have been submitted to FEMA for consideration of funding and the Town is awaiting their review and feedback.

 

Organization

 

Funding Request

Status

State of NC-DEQ-Water

(Loan with potential forgiveness)

 

$3,000,000

Application under review

FEMA-Revenue Replacement

(Loan with potential forgiveness)

 

Up to $5,000,000

Financial data under review; additional data being provided

FEMA-Expedited Funding for Emergency Repairs

 

Up to $7,500,000

Application under review

DEQ-ARPA Reimbursement (non-storm related)

 

Up to $3,000,00

Submission under review

Private Donations

 

Up to $20,000

Deposited; being held for future disbursement under discretion of Council

Other Revenues and Payments from Insurance proceeds and claims

 

Up to $5,000,000

50% has been approved for release

1/7/25 Update: 50% received.

1/31/25 Update: $1.3 million insurance payment for damage to Town Hall. 

 

 

 

 

 

 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 1/23/24, Over 32,782 CY of debris have been removed from the right of way, 27669 tons of sediment and silt have been removed from Town and the parks, 24,558 cubic yards (CY) of debris have been removed from the Lake.
  • 1/10/25: Burnt Ridge Landslide repair completed.
  • 1/7/25: 50% of insurance payments received.
  • 1/22/25: Contracted with lobbyist Hager Strategic Solutions (lobbyist). 
  • 1/22/25: Proclamation to open Chimney Rock State Park as soon as possible to bring in tourism to the area and

      strengthen the economy.

  • 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.
  • 1/31/25: Culvert repair on Hummingbird Cove completed.
  • 1/31/25: $1.3 million insurance payment received for damage to Town Hall. 
  • 2/11/25: Waste Water Treatment Plant is now operational.  Repaired 3 water leaks throughout the water system
  • 2/14/25: Storm drain box culvert repaired at corner of Memorial Hwy and Charlotte Dr
  • 2/19/25: Youngs Mountain Trail landslide Repaired

ONGOING

  • Emergency repairs to the sewer system.
  • Constant removal hazardous debris from the lake and roadways.
  • 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/SUGGESTIONS

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

For questions or suggestions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com

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