Preserving Lake Lure for Future Generations

For nearly a century, Lake Lure has been much more than a beautiful mountain lake. It has been the heart of our community—a place where families gather, businesses thrive, visitors create lifelong memories, and generations have learned to appreciate the beauty of the Hickory Nut Gorge.

Preserving this remarkable resource requires continual investment and thoughtful stewardship. While Hurricane Helene accelerated many of the challenges we already faced, it also reinforced the importance of building a stronger, more resilient Lake Lure for the next hundred years. Today, the Town is making historic investments in infrastructure that will protect our lake, improve public safety, strengthen environmental stewardship, and ensure Lake Lure remains a treasured destination for generations to come.

Preserving Lake Lure is more than rebuilding after Hurricane Helene. It is a long-term commitment to protecting our natural resources, investing in resilient infrastructure, and ensuring our mountain community remains vibrant for generations to come.

As Lake Lure approaches its 100th anniversary, we are reminded that those who built this community in 1926 invested not only in their future, but in ours. The decisions we make today—replacing aging infrastructure, protecting water quality, improving public safety, and restoring our natural resources—will determine what Lake Lure looks like when future generations celebrate its bicentennial.

Vision Statement: “Lake Lure, a gem of the Carolinas, is a mountain lake community that has a harmonious balance of interests of our citizens, businesses and visitors, achieved through open communication and managed growth that emphasizes fiscal responsibility and stewardship of our natural beauty and environment.” (2007-2027 Comprehensive Plan)

The lake is owned and operated by the Town of Lake Lure as a private, rather than a State controlled lake. The Town Council (acting as the Town Marine Commission for lake matters) develops municipal policy and lake use regulations. The town is currently prioritizing the preservation of Lake Lure for future generations by concentrating on rebuilding and restoring vital infrastructure.  Specifically, the town’s focus is on replacing the Lake Lure Dam, replacing the sewer collection system, rehabilitating the wastewater treatment plant, and routinely dredging sediment deposited in the lake by its tributaries. Additionally, the town has been working to strengthen cellular and broadband internet service to meet contemporary connectivity demands for businesses, first responders, education, and home users.

The Town of Lake Lure was dramatically impacted by Hurricane Helene in September of 2024.  Town Council and Town Leadership have been working to restore the lake, the marina, roadways, and the infrastructure since that time. Ongoing progress with these efforts are documented in Town News. The following is a summary of the key projects that remain underway to strengthen Lake Lure for future generations.

Protecting Our Community Pasted text Preserving Lake Lure for Future Generations For nearly a century, Lake Lure has been much more than a beautiful mountain lake. It has been the heart of our community—a place where families gather, businesses thrive, visitors create lifelong memories, and generations have learned to appreciate the beauty of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Preserving this remarkable resource requires continual investment and thoughtful stewardship. While Hurricane Helene accelerated many of the challenges we already faced, it also reinforced the importance of building a stronger, more resilient Lake Lure for the next hundred years. Today, the Town is making historic investments in infrastructure that will protect our lake, improve public safety, strengthen environmental stewardship, and ensure Lake Lure remains a treasured destination for generations to come.

The Town's long-term preservation strategy centers on three priorities:

• Protecting Our Community through resilient infrastructure and public safety improvements.

• Protecting Our Water by safeguarding water quality and investing in modern environmental infrastructure.

• Protecting Our Economy by restoring the recreational amenities and tourism that support local businesses and quality of life.

I. Protecting Our Water

Clean water is the lifeblood of Lake Lure. Protecting water quality requires continual investment in infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and proactive maintenance.

Modern Sewer Infrastructure

• Much of Lake Lure's sewer collection system dates back to 1926 and is nearing the end of its service life.
• The Town has partnered with leading engineering firms and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to design a modern collection system and rehabilitate the wastewater treatment plant.
• Construction will occur in phases over the next decade and will significantly improve reliability, environmental protection, and long-term service for residents.

Ongoing Dredging & Sediment Removal

• Over 50 surrounding river and stream tributaries constantly bring sediment into Lake Lure and routine dredging is required on a consistent basis for maintenance.
• Over the past year, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District and supporting districts conducted extensive debris and sediment removal across the region. Lake Lure, which experienced severe flooding and sedimentation, required some of the most sustained and technically demanding work.
• Lt. Col. Ken Porter, deputy commander of the Wilmington District, said the mission’s success reflects the collaboration behind the effort. “This closeout represents more than finishing a mission,” Porter said. “It represents the trust and teamwork that carried Lake Lure through recovery. The town’s leadership and residents were determined from day one, and that resilience made all the difference.”
• Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett said the closeout marks a turning point for the community. “Our town has faced a long, difficult year,” she said. “Seeing this work completed — the debris removed, our lake restored and these hazards addressed — gives our residents a sense of relief and hope. We are incredibly grateful for the Corps’ dedication and for the crews who worked tirelessly on behalf of Lake Lure.”
• The town is working with the NC Department of Environmental Quality to apply for grants to support this ongoing effort each year moving forward.  
• In recent years the Town has received a State sponsored grant in the amount of $750,000 for dredging and the total dredging budget has been $1,000,000.

Lake Drawdowns

• The lake drawdown schedule is communicated as early in the year as possible so plans can be made accordingly. Extended drawdowns - typically 5 months in duration and during non-peak season periods - may be required to complete ongoing projects.  The town will work as strategically and efficiently as possible during the lake drawdown periods. 
• NOTE: The Lake is owned by the Town and by Town Ordinance, lake structure property owners are responsible for maintaining their structures in good repair and without hazardous conditions.
• It is uncertain if the lake will have to be lowered each year, but it is likely given the projects that are underway.  This scope and drawdown duration determination will be made each year and announced as soon as possible.

Protecting Our Water means investing in clean water and healthy ecosystems. Together, these investments help preserve water quality, protect aquatic habitats, reduce flood risks, and ensure Lake Lure remains one of North Carolina's premier recreational lakes.

II. Protecting Our Community 

Safe, reliable infrastructure is the foundation of every thriving community. The Town is making strategic investments that will improve emergency preparedness, modernize aging infrastructure, and ensure Lake Lure remains safe and accessible for residents and visitors alike.  

Lake Lure Dam

• The Lake Lure Dam (completed September 1926) has performed well and has been assessed to be in fair condition; however,  the dam does not meet modern safety standards.
• Though the dam is sound and was considered an engineering marvel when it was built, it is near the end of its service life.  
• In 2021, Town Council, in partnership with the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) - Dam Safety Program developed a multi-year plan to replace the existing dam and ensure that it is in full compliance with the regulations of the NC DEQ, Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources (DEMLR). 
• The town is committed to maintaining Lake Lure as a recreational lake. Governmental grants and appropriations are being pursued to support this effort. Lawmakers and legislators at all governmental levels have been informed on the dam status and have offered full support for repair and/or replacement.
• A replacement dam will provide the greatest length of service at virtually the same cost of rehabilitating the existing dam. The dam is expected to be built approximately one hundred (100) yards downstream from the existing dam and the lake will not have to be drained during construction.
• Schnabel Engineering, a nationally recognized dam engineering firm, was hired by the town to complete a comprehensive assessment that reaffirmed the dam to be in fair condition. Schnabel is designing a reservoir drain, also known as a sewer access valve, which is an emergency preparedness requirement that will allow the lake to be lowered as needed for safety or sewer maintenance measures.
• The Town is seking national and state funding for the project and a dedicated capital reserve fund has been established to support a continuous progression to completion.
  • The Town Council restructured the FY2021-2022 budget to strategically reserve $1.6M per year by instituting operational efficiencies while seeking additional tax revenues. This fund meets statutory requirements for potential governmental appropriations.
  • The Town of Lake Lure was very fortunate to receive $16.5 million from the State of North Carolina for the dam replacement project in 2022.
  • The Town has received multiple Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants totally ($3,652,804) to fund multiple projects including the assessment of the dam, the design of a reservoir drain (access drain valve), and the conceptual design of the replacement dam. 
  • Additionally, FEMA has funded the field investigation for the replacement dam, a 30% design project, and a detailed design of the replacement dam.  The 30% design report will be completed in the summer of 2026 and the detailed design project should commence shortly thereafter. 
• This dam replacement project is expected to take at least ten years to complete, depending on funding. The next step is the process is to obtain funding for the construction of the replacement dam. 

Bridge Over the Lake Lure Dam

• To ensure rural transportation access along Buffalo Shoals Road, the Town is working with the NC Department of Transportation to replace the bridge either atop the replacement dam or at a new location downstream over the Rocky Broad River. Final bridge decision is subject to the dam construction timeline.

Cell/Internet Service:  Tillman Construction installed a cell tower at 168 Boys Camp Road in 2026.  AT&T has installed their antenna in the top location and activated service in April 2026 while they could take advantage of the nationwide incentive program called FirstNet. 

• FirstNet’s purpose is enhancing communications reliability and effectiveness for emergency services and first responders.  That is a critical need for our emergency services but also for anyone who has experienced the lack of cell phone coverage in our community.

• 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 is expected to begin antenna installation. 

• Verizon is also considering potential collocation opportunities to further expand service options.

Why This Matters

✔ Modern dam meeting today's safety standards

✔ Improved emergency preparedness

✔ Reliable transportation access

Protecting Our Community means building resilient infrastructure and enhancing public safety.

III. Protecting Our Economy

A healthy local economy depends on more than businesses—it depends on places where people gather, recreate, and create lasting memories. Restoring Lake Lure's recreational amenities helps strengthen local businesses, supports tourism, and enhances the quality of life for residents.

• Lake Lure Reopens: 

  Governor Josh Stein joined federal, state, and local officials in Morse Park to announce the reopening of beloved outdoor destination Lake Lure.

  “This is an exciting day for western North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “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.”

  “Today is more than the reopening of a lake — it is the restoration of a place that brings our community together,” said Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett. “In the aftermath of Helene, our Town Council and town leadership was faced with countless recovery challenges and difficult decisions. We knew we had to prioritize the needs that would most directly impact our residents’ livelihoods and support the economic vitality of our county and state, and we remain committed to addressing the many remaining recovery projects in the months ahead. From town leadership and staff, emergency personnel, federal and state agencies, non-profit organizations, engineers, contractors, environmental partners, local businesses, churches, volunteers, and residents — today’s achievement belongs to all of you.” 

• Washburn Marina: The Marina was rebuilt and reopened in July 2026, a major milestone in Lake Lure's Recovery! This marked another significant step forward in the town's recovery from Hurricane Helene and brings one of Lake Lure's most important recreational facilities back into service.

• Parks and Trails: Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure Beach, Morse Park, Pool Creek Picnic Park, Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail, the Green Space, Buffalo Creek Park and Weed Patch Trail have all been restored and reopened following damage from Hurricane Helene. Each of these are true accomplishments and provide recreation to the local community as well as tourists. 

Progress So Far

Progress Since Hurricane Helene

✓ Lake successfully cleaned with over 1.2 million tons of silt and debris removed

✓ Lake reopened to recreation

✓ Washburn Marina rebuilt

✓ Parks and trails reopened

✓ Replacement dam design underway

✓ Phase 1 sewer funding secured

✓ New FirstNet cell service activated

By the Numbers

• By the Numbers

• 100 years of Lake Lure history

• $16.5 million in State funding for dam replacement

• $3.6 million in FEMA design grants

• $12 million secured for Phase 1 sewer improvements

• Over 1 million cubic yards of debris removed

• 10+ years of planned infrastructure improvements

Looking Ahead

The preservation of Lake Lure is not a single project—it is a long-term commitment that will span the next decade and beyond. Replacing the dam, modernizing the sewer system, protecting water quality, restoring recreational facilities, and strengthening critical infrastructure are investments that will benefit residents and visitors for generations.

As we celebrate Lake Lure's Centennial in 2027, we honor the vision of those who created this remarkable community nearly 100 years ago. Their investment built the Lake Lure we cherish today. Our responsibility is to build upon that legacy so future generations can continue to experience the beauty, recreation, and sense of community that make Lake Lure truly one of North Carolina's greatest treasures.

Every generation has been entrusted with caring for Lake Lure. Nearly one hundred years ago, visionary leaders transformed a mountain valley into one of North Carolina's most treasured destinations. Today, our responsibility is not only to restore what Hurricane Helene damaged, but to prepare Lake Lure for the next century.

The work underway today is about more than infrastructure. It is about protecting clean water, preserving natural beauty, supporting local businesses, ensuring public safety, and honoring the generations who came before us while preparing for those yet to come.

Together, we are preserving Lake Lure—not just for today, but for future generations.

For additional information about the Town of Lake Lure, please visit www.townoflakelure.com.