Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates 3/7/25

Morse Park Collage

 

Please take a moment to review the Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates and information as of Friday, 3/7/25.  

MORSE PARK RESTORATION

The Town of Lake Lure Public Works crews have begun the restoration process for Morse Park.  If you have been to the area you know that Morse Park was literally covered in silt and debris.  These pictures illustrate some of the work that has been taking place to restore walkways and the gardens near the Lake Lure Gazebo. Grass has been planted in the last two weeks and the next steps will be to continue the work near the marina and east entry.  Our goal is to be able to reopen a portion of Morse Park in late spring. 

COME AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF LAKE LURE!

There are a number of attractions that are open in the area. Lake Lure hotels, lodges, bed & breakfasts, and our amazing restaurants are open for business!  Our local businesses greatly appreciate your patronage!  Please visit the area and encourage others to visit as well.  Here are some of the amenities that are currently open to the public.  

The Town has been approved for a grant for a replacement playground which will be temporarily placed in Pool Creek Picnic Park until a more permanent location can be identified.  Stay tuned for some exciting upcoming events that will be held in this area in the coming months. We hear that the Easter Bunny may be making a visit there soon!

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!  Please stay tuned for updates as these additional parks and trails reopen.

RE-OPEN CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK

The Town of Lake Lure continues to encourage state partners to open Chimney Rock State Park (CRSP) as soon as possible  and to ensure there are two access roads to the Park for public safety.  A significant portion of CRSP is in the Town of Lake Lure and the Lake Lure Fire Department provides emergency services to the Park.  Completing the short gap between Lago Vista Road (behind the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa) and Chimney Rock State Park Road (within the park itself) is just a quarter of a mile.  This road could be completed in a short amount of time so we can open the Park, until the Chimney Rock Village entrance can be re-established.   Many people have asked what they can do to help.  Please take a few moments and follow the link to details on how to help reopen Chimney Rock State Park. www.chimneyrock.info  Thank you for your support!

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 may apply for this program.
  • Owners 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.
  • 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. You may also stop in at the Arcade Building for personal assistance completing your application – Monday (8-6) through Saturday (9-2).  For questions, call the debris call center open daily from 7A to 7P at 833-468-6129.  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: Mayor Carol Pritchett met with NC Department of Transportation Officials this week.  She discussed the work they are doing in the area and continued to advocate for two entrances to Chimney Rock State Park with one being the Lago Vista Road. The North Carolina State Park owns this two-lane paved road behind the Lake Lure Inn and the distance from this road to the entrance road to Chimney Rock Park is less than a quarter mile.  This road extension could be built in less than six months and this road extension is already on the park’s master plan because it has always been evident that only one means of ingress and egress is a huge safety issue.

  • FEMA: Town Officials had ongoing meetings with FEMA officials to discuss Town losses and the recovery process.

  • Meeting with Local Business Owners:  Mayor Pritchett, Mayor Pro Tem Dave DiOrio, and Town Officials hosted a meeting for local business owners.  The purpose of the meeting was to provide detailed updates on our storm recovery process and to allow time for questions/discussion.   There was a lengthy discussion and a robust exchange of ideas on how to increase tourism in the Lake Lure area.  We are working to help the public at large know that the Town of Lake Lure is open for business even as the recovery process is ongoing for the Lake and some of our trails. The Town will continue to work with the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority to boost marketing for the Town so the public will know Lake Lure is open and eager for tourists to visit.

FUNDING UPDATES

  • NC senators propose $533M for Hurricane Helene relief: On Tuesday, North Carolina senators began deciding if they’ll pass a bill that would send hundreds of millions of dollars to western North Carolina for Hurricane Helene recovery. March 4, 2025:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEYLuyclxxM

  • Helene relief funding vote in North Carolina: A vote on Hurricane Helene relief funding was held in North Carolina. March 5, 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMepcRr5gO4

IN THE NEWS

LAKE STATUS

  • Lake Levels: The current Lake Level is 988.4 Mean Sea Level (MSL) as of 3/7/25. 

    • The Town will be lowering the Lake Level by 2-3 feet in the coming days for ongoing restoration of underground pipes.
    • The Lake will remain at this level until this work is complete.
    • The Town will consult with the US Army Corp of Engineers and AshBritt Environmental regarding the optimal lake level for the ongoing work of removing debris.   
    • 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.  Note that the marina docks have been temporarily placed near the shore at Pool Creek Park.  They will be moved in the coming weeks.

  • 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

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

LAKE STRUCTURES

  • Damaged Lake Structures: Community Development Department has created a listing of all damaged lake structures and letters have been mailed to property owners this week.  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 135.

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. 
  • Divers have been working to remove debris from the opening of the valve so testing may begin.
  • 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. 

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 41,343 cubic yards (CY) of debris removed from the right of way.
  • Over 31,805 tons of sediment and silt removed from Town (no change this week, but just wait! Change is coming!
  • Over 29,067 cubic yards (CY) of debris removed from the Lake.

  • 3D MAP: USACE surveyed Lake Lure and created a 3D map of 720 acres of the lake bottom that is being used to identify debris that is underwater, like docks or boats. This debris will be removed in the next phase of work. You may review a copy of the USACE Hydrographic Survey at the following link:  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 be removed under a new scope of work.  The Town has submitted a detailed request for the new task order.  We are awaiting 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 until the first part of April.  They will remove shoreline debris in the water and up to 5 feet above full pond.  Contractors are very 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 should 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

  • Planned Water Shut-off on Boys Camp Road - March, 12, 2025: One of the Town of Lake Lure Contractors, Morgan Corporation will be working on the pressure reducing valve on Wednesday, 3/12/25.The pressure reducing valve regulates the water pressure in homes and other buildings in the area. The water will be shut off at 10:00 AM 3/12/2025 and will remain off until work is completed. The water shut-off will only affect customers on Boys Camp Road.  We are unable to estimate the length of time for the work at this time but updates will be provided here as new information becomes available. Thank you for your patience as this work is completed.

  • 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.  Progress has been made in obtaining the easements and a kick off meeting is scheduled for 3/10/25.  Water has been turned off to properties in the area. The total project could take up to 4 months once they begin, depending on the time it takes to drill through rock, etc. It may be possible to connect individual properties as the work is completed in the immediate area.  

  • 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 operational.   

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. 

  • Proposed Helene Repairs at U.S. 64/U.S. 74A in Chimney Rock - Rutherford, Henderson Counties: The N.C. Department of Transportation proposes Helene repairs from the U.S. 64/U.S. 74A intersection in Henderson County, along U.S. 74A for 2.6 miles to just east of the U.S. 74A/Terrace Drive intersection. Repairs include replacing the U.S. 64 Bridge and replacing Southside Drive and Chimney Rock State Park bridges.​ Project details and maps can be found at the NCDOT public input webpage​, which will be updated as the project progresses. There is an opportunity to submit written comments or they can be submitted via phone at (984) 205-6615, enter project code 11105, email at US74AChimneyRock@publicinput.com or at the following link by March. 12, 2025: https://ncdot.publicinput.com/w78787  For additional information or to mail comments, contact: Brian Burch, Consultant Project Manager, HNTB, 4000 Center at North Hills St., Suite 500, Raleigh, NC 27609

  • 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.  Bids are being taken to determine costs for the permanent bridge. Bids will be presented to Town Council.  

  • Temporary Road Closure - Edwards Point: There will be a temporary road closure on Edwards Point, Lake Lure 28746. The purpose for the road closure is for drilling for a well at 123 Edwards Point Road. The trucks will block the cul-de-sac for 1 to 3 days (Tuesday-Thursday, March 18-20, 2025, depending on how the project goes.

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 

  • Governor Stein Announces 30-Day FEMA Extension for Individual Assistance: FEMA granted Governor Josh Stein’s request for a 30-day extension for disaster survivors to apply for FEMA’s individual assistance (IA) program. The new deadline is April 7, 2025. Governor Stein released the following statement on the extension: “Thank you to FEMA and the Trump Administration for granting North Carolina’s request to extend the individual assistance program and to our Congressional delegation for its support. This is a positive step forward, and I urge affected residents from western North Carolina to apply for FEMA funding to help them get back on their feet.”
  • There are several ways to apply: 
  1. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center in your community. Visit fema.gov/drc to locate the closest location. (Most Recommended):

     2. Call the FEMA hotline at 1-800-621-3362 between the hours of 7am and midnight.

     3. Go online to disasterassistance.gov 

  • The Town of Lake Lure has submitted several projects for funding through FEMA.  The Town has not received any funding to date; however, FEMA is funding all of the debris removal process in and around the Lake. Some of the categories of projects the Town has submitted to FEMA include repairs to the Dam, Hydro-electric Plant, Waste Water Treatment Plant, Waste Water Collection System, Road and Bridge Repairs, Pathways and Sidewalks, Town Hall and the Police Station, the Beach, Parks and Trails, and Town Vehicles. Further information on these projects will be presented as additional information becomes available.

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.

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

  • United Way: https://www.unitedwaync.org/nc-disaster-relief-fund-helene

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

  • 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

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.

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.

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 $90,000

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
  • 2/21/25: Green Space drainage repairs completed, grass replanted, and dry creek beds put into place.  
  • 3/7/25: Debris removed from Morse Park trails and grass replanted in that area.

ONGOING

  • Emergency repairs to the sewer system.
  • Constant removal hazardous debris from the lake and roadways.
  • Removal of boats from the lake and boat houses.
  • Town officials are working to develop a comprehensive plan for recovery of the Lake.   

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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