Message from the Mayor - Lake Lure Reopens - A Milestone in Our Recovery Journey

Celebrating Progress and Building for the Future

June 2026

May 2026 marked a historic milestone for our community as we welcomed Governor Josh Stein, Colonel Brad Morgan of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and numerous federal, state, and local officials to Morse Park to celebrate the reopening of beautiful Lake Lure.

As Governor Stein remarked, "Twenty months ago, Hurricane Helene devastated Lake Lure, but today, Lake Lure is back! Local, state, and federal government partnership with lake residents has powered its restoration. Lake Lure is a gem, and I'm excited that folks have the chance to rediscover this unforgettable place this summer."

This celebration represented much more than the reopening of our lake - it symbolized the resilience, determination, and partnership that have guided our community through one of the most challenging periods in its history. As we look back on the progress made since Hurricane Helene, we have much to be proud of and even more to look forward to.

Town officials continue to work closely with FEMA leadership every day to advance storm recovery projects, secure critical funding, and accelerate infrastructure restoration efforts. Through these partnerships, the Town has received more than $5.15 million in FEMA Public Assistance reimbursements to date for debris removal, emergency protective measures, road and utility repairs, water control facilities, buildings, and park restoration.

Equally, if not more significant, FEMA directly funded the removal of approximately 1.2 million tons of sediment and more than 100,000 cubic yards of debris from Lake Lure through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This unprecedented effort has been instrumental in restoring the health, safety, and beauty of our lake.

The listing below illustrates the funding received for debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent work, roads, water control, buildings, utilities, and parks. This does not include the cost for the massive silt and debris removal from Lake Lure, which was funded directly from FEMA to the US ACE. 

• $862,186.69 –Vegetative, C&D, and White Goods debris from Lake Lure and waterways
• $754,185.81 –Town-wide Emergency Protective Measures
• $65,390.00 –Vegetative debris from ROW and public property
• $503,580.00 –Design of permanent Boys Camp Road Bridge
• $118,323.67 –Temporary hydroelectric plant emergency repairs
• $8,250.00 –Temporary Town Hall Facility
• $13,255.75 –Dumpster rentals
• $28,531.78 –Temporary Relocation Costs – Town Hall Facility
• $9,681.02 –Municipal Water Supply Damage – 100% Complete Work
• $745,485.13 –Emergency Access Restoration at Dam
• $8,913.73 –Municipal Water Supply System Damage – Boys Camp Road Bridge Waterline
• $977,417 –WWTP A&E
• $118,943 – Temporary Emergency Wastewater Treatment Plant Repair
• $5,250 – Lakeshore River Sand Washout
• $101,487.47 – Sediment Pond Culvert
• $72,852.05 – Temporary Municipal Water Supply Project.
• $300,000 – A&E – Hydroelectric Generating Plant Damages
• $64,677.34 – Temporary Town Hall Facility – 90%
• $584,385.62 – Town Wide Roads and Culverts Damages 1 – Completed Work
• $77,550.72 - Lake Lure Debris Removal
• $330,073.14 - Flowering Bridge Waterline
• $529,479.12 - Dam Maintenance Road Damages
• $914,323.77 - Sewer Lift Station and related distribution system

The following items are obligated, but pending reimbursement:

• $1,996,515.95 – Marina Docks Damages (Marina Replacement Project)
• $1,482,977.10 – Lake Safety Facilities
• $31,939.35 - Town Structures Damages
• Proctor Road final amounts pending agreed upon fixed cost offer.

Beyond FEMA assistance, the Town has successfully secured more than $11.2 million in grant funding through partnerships with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Public Safety, and the Office of State Budget and Management. These funds are supporting critical infrastructure improvements, including wastewater treatment facilities, sewer system repairs, chemical storage upgrades, and dam assessments.

In addition, Town officials continue to aggressively pursue grants and financing opportunities to support long-term recovery and resiliency initiatives. Projects currently funded, under development, or in application phases include Morse Park improvements, dam design and replacement, wastewater treatment and collection systems, shoreline stabilization, public safety facilities, road stabilization, stream monitoring infrastructure, and lake structure removal.

While securing funding is essential, our focus remains on delivering results. Town staff and project partners continue making meaningful progress on key recovery and infrastructure initiatives throughout the community.

Cell Tower: AT&T service is active, and customers should now experience significantly improved signal strength throughout Chimney Rock, along the main channel of the lake, and extending toward the dam area. T-Mobile has received required permits and can begin antenna installation at any time. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held last month with Guest speakers including Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr who stated, "It's such a big day for Lake Lure and for western North Carolina," said Carr. "We're seeing a new cell tower going in, so it means more connectivity and continues to be state, local and federal support for the ongoing support here in western North Carolina."

Washburn Marina: Staff are working closely with contractors to complete the Washburn Marina with the floating boardwalk, stationary docks, hot docks, and the marina fuel tank. A temporary marina building will be installed to allow Lake Lure Tours to resume operations while design work continues on the permanent replacement facility. The projects are near completion, and a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be planned once the project is complete.

Pool Creek Picnic Park Courtesy Docks: Courtesy docks are also being built in the Pool Creek Picnic Park area to allow additional boaters to visit Town Center.

Debris Booms: Support anchors for the debris boom at the dam have been installed, and a temporary debris boom is currently in place while the Town awaits delivery of the permanent replacement system. The Town is also advancing the engineering and design of a new anchoring system for the debris boom located on the river channel near Morse Park. Updated engineering is necessary due to significant changes in river conditions and the surrounding landscape resulting from the storm. 

Dredging: Sedimentation removal is nearing completion. The Town continues to work to secure an individual dredging permit, which will allow for expanded dredging operations moving forward. The Town has recently been notified that an archaeological study has been requested as part of the permitting process. The Town continues to work toward obtaining the permit in advance of the 2027 dredging cycle.

Boys Camp Bridge: Contract documents for the Boys Camp Bridge Replacement Project have been finalized and executed. Construction activities are expected to commence very soon, and the contractor has a 120-day contract duration to complete the bridge replacement once work begins.

Sewe Replacement Project: Town leaders continue advancing permitting efforts for the next phase of this critical work in coordination with NCDEQ and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as design and planning progress. The Town is also continuing work on securing necessary easements for future phases, with coordination ongoing with affected property owners and the project team.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement: The Town’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) schematic design is complete, and the next step is reviewing the design so we may proceed to project development.

Replacement Dam: The first phase (30%) of the design for the replacement dam is underway. This portion of the project is expected to be completed in June. Once this design report is approved by the NC Dam Safety Office, the detailed design project will begin.

Comprehensive Plan: The Foothills Regional Commission continues to assist the Town in finalizing the Comprehensive Plan. The steering committee has reviewed the latest draft with recommendations which are being incorporated. The plan is scheduled to be presented to the Parks and Recreation Board for additional input in June, followed by review by the Zoning and Planning Board in July. A public hearing is also anticipated in July, with Town Council consideration of adoption expected in August. 

As we move forward, we remain committed to restoring not only what was lost, but also to building a stronger, more resilient Lake Lure for generations to come. Every completed project, every secured grant, and every milestone achieved reflects the dedication of Town staff, elected officials, agency partners, residents, and countless supporters who have worked together throughout this recovery journey.

Thank you for your continued patience, engagement, and support. Together, we have accomplished extraordinary things over the past twenty months, and together we will continue shaping a bright future for Lake Lure for future generations.

Carol Pritchett

Mayor, Town of Lake Lure