Lake Lure ~ USACE ~ Restoration Update ~ October 17, 2025
Lake Lure ~ USACE ~ Restoration Update
October 17, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), working under a FEMA mission assignment, continues recovery work in Lake Lure under the Direct Federal Assistance (DFA) contract, which has been extended through November 20, 2025. This extension allows additional time to complete the remaining work and ensure the lake is safe, stable, and navigable. This is excellent news, and the Town of Lake Lure remains deeply grateful for the extraordinary work that has been accomplished and for this extension.
The lake restoration mission has been extensive and complex. Over time, the scope of work expanded from surface debris removal to subsurface debris and sediment management, with the goal of restoring the lake as closely as possible to pre-storm conditions. To date, USACE teams have removed more than 1.2 million tons of debris from the lake.
Contractors have now transitioned from excavating and hauling sediment to restoring and stabilizing work areas.
- This includes removing temporary haul roads, redistributing sediment to restore pre-event conditions, and grading areas to proper and stable elevations.
- Sediment is being safely redistributed to support shoreline stabilization and Morse Park restoration and will no longer be hauled off, except for any large debris that may be found within the sediment.
- This work is guided by a USACE hydrology and hydraulics expert with experience on large-scale projects.
- Trucking and barge operations have concluded, as these methods are no longer required for the remaining work.
USACE is still evaluating whether the current scope will include removing any additional shoreline debris.
- Any shoreline debris not removed under DFA will be addressed by the Town at a later date as lake levels rise.
- Sediment removal is complete in all coves that were deemed most impacted based on pre- and post-storm assessments, and no additional coves will be considered.
The Town of Lake Lure, FEMA, and USACE remain committed to restoring the lake and implementing mitigation measures to help prevent future sedimentation and erosion issues. The Town is working closely with FEMA and USACE to provide additional information to the public, including clear plans and visuals, which will be shared soon.
The Town understands that many in the community continue to feel the effects of the storm and sincerely appreciates everyone’s cooperation, patience, and resilience throughout this recovery process.
While this phase of the USACE mission is nearing completion, other disaster recovery programs remain available. Residents are encouraged to contact local officials or visit the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s recovery page for more information: https://www.ncdps.gov/helene/dcm.
For additional questions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com.
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