Message from the Mayor - Perpetual Progress

July 2025

Perpetual Progress in the Town of Lake Lure

There are many signs of progress that illustrate the fact that we are overcoming the devastation left by Hurricane Helene.  We are pleased to report that Chimney Rock State Park was able to reopen by reservation on June 27, 2025.  This will help to restore tourism to our area. 

A portion of Morse Park has opened and the Lake Lure Gazebo has been the home of several community gatherings.  The Lake Lure Inn and Spa has opened their swimming pool for the public and it is providing opportunities for summer fun for children in the area. 

Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure continues to be open with an array of seasonal activities for families throughout the summer.

The Mountains Branch Library also offers a number of wonderful programs for the community. 

Lake Lure offers opportunities for everyone from rock climbing, visiting Chimney Rock State Park, playing golf, horseback riding, ziplining, visiting the local escape rooms, walking the nature trails, or just relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the mountains that surround us here.

Lake Restoration

We are thrilled with the progress that his being made in our beloved Lake Lure.  The work that the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is doing here is nothing short of astounding.  USACE, in coordination with AshBritt Environmental and local contractors are working seven days a week to continually remove debris, silt, and sedimentation from the lake.  Below is the latest update on their progress as of 6/30/25: 

• 524,580 tons of silt/sediment removed from the waterway (+78,580 Tons in the past week alone).

• 48,617 cubic yards of debris removed from the waterway (+987 CY last week).

This is a new record for the largest amount of silt and sedimentation removed in one week so far....78,580 tons! That's approximately enough to fill 24 Olympic-size pools. 

Here is some additional information to help you visualize the process and progress:

• 140 trucks are working on any given day.
• The average truck holds 25 tons.
• 330 loads are removed on average each day.

Crews are working 12 hours a day every day to complete their mission.  We anticipate the work will continue throughout the summer months and into the fall. This is a dynamic process and we do not have a definitive timeline for completion of the lake restoration.  The lake is at approximately 960.5 Mean Sea Level (MSL), 30 feet below full pond (990.5 MSL) to accommodate the work that is being done.  Lake levels and our storm recovery updates are posted on the Town website weekly. 

Although we all miss being on the lake, please remember that this is a federal work site and only licensed contractors and staff are allowed on the lake or in the lakebed. We are hopeful that crews will continue their efforts into the fall.  FEMA has funded this mission assignment for the USACE.  The Town of Lake Lure would not be able to complete the overwhelming task of restoring the lake without this support. We are eternally grateful for the work that is being done to bring our lake back to life!

Despite the devastation, I am very pleased to report that water quality has improved dramatically. The latest water sample results are from May 26, 2025.  For the first time since the hurricane, Lake Lure is now within normal readings for every parameter the Town tests for. That is something to truly celebrate!

Land-based Debris Removal

Many home owners are also continuing to work to restore their private property.  Lake Lure and all those in zip code 28746 have had an opportunity to apply for the USACE Private Property Debris Removal Process. The USACE is overseeing this process throughout Western NC.  We met with the representative that is overseeing the process and he assured us that the program is on track and will be moving forward in the upcoming weeks.

For anyone who did not submit an application through the program offered in Lake Lure; Rutherford County has also offered an additional opportunity to apply for assistance.   The deadline for applications was 6/30/25.

To date, the USACE has removed 43,000 cubic yards of debris from the right of way around Lake Lure. Once the debris has been removed from private properties, we will see a significant difference in the recovery process.

Utilities

Public Services continues to work to maintain the Town’s unique subaqueous sewer system.  The West–end connector project is ongoing and we anticipate this project being completed in July.  Planning and design work for larger system is being developed in anticipation of future funding.  The Town has applied for FEMA funding to support restoration of the system.  We are awaiting a decision regarding this request.  We hope to be able to take advantage of the lake being lowered to complete some work in the fall.

Hurricane Helene Funding

The Town continues to seek Federal and State post-disaster funding to support our recovery process. There are 34 projects that have been submitted to FEMA for consideration of funding and the Town is awaiting their review and feedback. Please continue to review our storm recovery updates on the Town website for funding details.

Hurricane Helene has had an incredible impact on the Town of Lake Lure and our surrounding community but we are resilient!  We will overcome this event and be even stronger than ever before.  We plan to take stock of our progress and all that has been accomplished on the anniversary of the storm on 9/27/25.  Please look for updates on this event and additional Town Events on the website calendar.  We appreciate your support of our community and along with all those who continue to visit us in the Town of Lake Lure.