Lake Lure Town News Summary - 2/27/26

Lake Lure Town News Summary

This latest summary will include the following items in this order:

• Lake levels
• Collegiate Rowing Teams Arrive in Lake Lure
• Rumble 2026 Returns
• Shoreline Debris Removal Updates
• Cell Tower Updates
• Plans for Refilling the Lake
• Lake Status
• Authorized Contractor Information
• Plans for Opening Lake Lure Beach
• Lake Water Quality Results
• Fishery Updates
• In the News – Latest News Coverage on Lake Lure
• Links to Town Council Meeting Summaries
• 2026 Town Board Appointments 
• Morse Park Restoration, Dredging Updates, Shoreline Stabilization
• 2026 Lake Use Regulations - Boat Permit Updates
• New Disc Golf Map 
• Washburn Marina Updates
• Lake Lure Dam Updates
• Roadway Updates
• Financial Updates
• Information on Visiting the Town of Lake Lure
• Plans for the Washburn Marina and Boardwalk, the new boat ramp and fuel pump
• Contractor Information
• Roadway Updates
• Financial Updates and FEMA Reimbursements
• Travel and restaurant guide
• 2026 Calendar 
• and more...

 

TOGETHER WE RISE!

 

Lake Lure is on the rise and is currently at 980 Mean Sea Level (MSL), approximately 10.5 feet below full pond (990.5 MSL).  The lake began refilling on 2/6/26 when the lake level was 974.2 MSL. 

We are coming back strong and are overcoming the devastation of Hurricane Helen!

 

Collegiate Rowing Returns to Lake Lure

 

 

We are pleased to share that many collegiate rowing teams will return to Lake Lure for spring training beginning 2/28/26 through the end of March.

These teams have received special permission to use the lake and will operate under close supervision during their time here. Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure is coordinating their visit and hosting the teams this year.

It will be an inspiring sight to see rowers gliding across the water as some of the first vessels to return to our beloved lake. The Town of Lake Lure is honored to support their return and the continued partnership with collegiate rowing programs.

We are proud to have welcomed teams from:

Alabama • Georgia • New York • North Carolina • Ohio • Pennsylvania • Tennessee • Vermont • Washington, DC • West Virginia • Ontario, Canada

We look forward to welcoming teams back to Lake Lure!   

Read more here

 

GET READY TO RUMBLE! CAROLINA CLIMBERS' COALITION RUMBLE 2026

 

Watch this reel from the last Rumble in 2024.

The Town of Lake Lure is thrilled to welcome back the Carolina Climbers' Coalition for the 10th Annual Rumble at Rumbling Bald!

Climbers from across the Southeast will gather March 6–8, 2026 for an unforgettable weekend of competition, camaraderie, and celebration — all in support of climbing access and stewardship in the Carolinas. We anticipate welcoming 250–300 climbers and their families to Lake Lure for this milestone event.

Read more here.

 SHORELINE DEBRIS REMOVAL IS UNDERWAY!

 

The North Carolina State Mission Assigned Recovery Task (SMART) Program contractors mobilized last week. Debris removal will begin next weeks. 

• Crews will be picking up debris that may have entered to water as the lake levels have risen.
• They will be making rounds and collecting debris within about 5 feet from the shoreline.
• Crews will make additional rounds around the lake as the lake continues to rise. 

 

CELL TOWER UPDATES

 

It's Here!

   

Cell Tower Antenna Installation - Photos Courtesy of Commissioner Patrick Bryant

 

The Town of Lake Lure has been working to install a cell tower on the old camp ground off Boys Camp Road.  Our Community Development Team has been diligent in their efforts to work through multiple challenges, including delays caused by Hurricane Helene. Thanks to their persistence, we are pleased to report that the cell tower has arrived! You can see the tower here! 

• The base of the tower was erected Thursday, 12/4/25 as scheduled. The remaining sections were erected Friday, 12/5/25 as you can see from this photo. 

• Duke Energy established power at the Cell Tower and the next steps are for the cell companies to begin mounting their antennas.

• AT&T's equipment crew has been on site all week ending 2/13/26, installing their ground equipment (transmission equipment, backup generator and raised metal base they go on) and are supposed to finish up by Tuesday, 2/17/26.  T-Mobile has also now installed their generator.

• On 2/27/26, AT&T began installing their antennas. 

• At this time, the tower owner has not yet received an application from Verizon. 

• We should be able to call folks and tell them about it very soon. 

 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO REFILL THE LAKE  

 

Town officials emphasize that refilling Lake Lure will be a slow and carefully managed process. The lake level cannot be raised by more than approximately one foot per day, and progress will depend heavily on rainfall and weather conditions. While we cannot yet confirm exactly when the lake will return to full pond, it is hoped the lake may be able to reopen for public use by Memorial Weekend 2026, depending on conditions.

 

THE LAKE IS NOT OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE AT THIS TIME 

 

The Town of Lake Lure and all businesses are open and welcoming visitors; however, the lake itself remains closed to all unauthorized personnel. 

• The lake is not open for public use and only authorized contractors and staff may access the Lake.
• Currently, accessing the lake is not safe due to the lower lake levels.
• Do not enter the lake or the lakebed for everyone's safety, and to avoid fines. 
• Town officials will be sharing a timeline for lake access for residents and property owners in the coming weeks.
• Boats will need to be brought back into the lake with authorized contractors. 

 

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

 

Only approved contractors may access properties from the lake, by boat or barge, but any contractor or property owner may work on lake structures (with permits) if accessing from land.  This includes sea wall construction or restoration (again, with required permits).   You may emailkmartin@townoflakelure.com"> kmartin@townoflakelure.com with any questions.

Click here for additional information on contractors.

 

WHEN WILL THE LAKE AND LAKE LURE BEACH REOPEN?   

 

The Town of Lake Lure remains hopeful that we will be able to reopen the lake and the Lake Lure Beach in the late May 2026.   The target date for opening Lake Lure to the public is Memorial Weekend 2026.   

 

LAKE WATER QUALITY

 

Please see the attached water sample results from January 2026.  We are pleased to report that the latest results are all within acceptable limits. 

You may review the updates spreadsheet, which illustrates all the water sample data received by the Town of Lake Lure.

This data is current through 1/28/26.

 

FISHERY UPDATE

Fishery Recovery Remains a Priority

While the lake’s refilling is a major milestone, the Town recognizes recoverable impacts to Lake Lure’s fishery. Ongoing habitat improvements are underway, and long-term ecological recovery will continue to be guided by years of professional fishery studies. Over 300 trees are being placed into the lake to create a new habitat for the fish.  For more information, please see the Lake Lure Fishery Update.

 

IN THE NEWS

 

1) After a year of work to clear Helene's destruction, Lake Lure begins to fill back up. Watch the newscast here.

 

Spectrum News - Lake Lure Rising

BY Courtney Davis Charlotte

PUBLISHED 12:00 PM ET Feb. 18, 2026

LAKE LURE, N.C. — After working for a year to clear mountains of debris and sediment dumped in Lake Lure by Helene, the Army Corps of Engineers crews have packed up, and the lake is slowly starting to fill back up.

Flooding from Helene sent tons of debris down the Broad River and into the mountain reservoir southeast of Asheville. 

“I just think people are finally starting to breathe a sigh of relief,” Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett said.

What You Need To Know

•  When Helene hit western North Carolina, Lake Lure was filled with debris and sediment that rushed down the Broad River
•  After a year of help from the Army Corps of Engineers, the lake has now been cleared of debris and sediment
•  The town of Lake Lure has now finally started to refill the lake
•  They hope to have the lake filled to its normal level by May

Pritchett said when Helene first hit, the once peaceful lake was unrecognizable with so much debris. It took the Army Corps of Engineers a year to clean it all from the lake. 

Now, the town has moved on to the next phase, refilling the popular lake. 

“If you look at the lake, the water's not all the way up,” Pritchett said. “But the lake is ready to receive the water. We don't have a marina, but we can see them building it out there. So everything is just moved to a whole different category.”

Pritchett said the lake is much more than just a pretty view, especially for business owners. 

“This is critical for us. It truly is critical,” she said. “That is the whole basis of our economy here. So, you know, as I said, I don't think a lot of people could have made it just hanging on there again.”

With the lake set to reopen hopefully by May, Pritchett said everyone in town is feeling the excitement.

“Everybody was so patient, and they had so much resilience,” the mayor said. “To finally know we are going to be able to make it so it puts everybody in a different place, and people are just more relaxed.”

As for Pritchett, she said she can’t wait for the lake to be full with water, and people enjoying it, once again.

“Just to be able to look out and see the serenity of it. And you're away from the hustle and bustle and everything else. It’s just a wonderful place to be.”

The mayor said that while they have been able to get some things fixed in the town since the storm, the town of Lake Lure is still a far way away from full recovery. 

Still, they are hoping to have rowing teams back on the lake at the beginning of march for practice. Their goal is to have the full lake open to the public by Memorial Day weekend.

 

2) Town of Lake Lure starts to refill lake after Hurricane Helene

Watch the newscast here.

Historic flooding during Helene destroyed Lake Lure and most of the town.

Monday, February 2026

LAKE LURE, N.C. (WTVD) -- There is more progress being made in western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene.

The Town of Lake Lure announced it is starting to refill the lake.

The mayor said they hope the work is done by Memorial Day so it is ready for the holiday weekend and summer tourism.

Historic flooding during Helene destroyed Lake Lure and most of the town.

 

3) 11 Best Lakeside Towns in North Carolina - February 2026

Lake Lure Marina - Before Hurricane Helene by WorldAtlas

 

Between the Appalachian Mountains, vast forests, and numerous lakes, North Carolina boasts a diverse and beautiful landscape that captivates visitors and residents alike. Its lakes, in particular, make it easy to enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and quiet time by the water. The state is home to more than 2,000 lakes and reservoirs, including Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. Others, like Lake Lure, famous as a filming location for Dirty Dancing, and Lake Junaluska, set near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, add to the state’s iconic lake scene. And on these lakes, no two towns are the same: from the famous barbecue of Lexington, to the local art scene in Salisbury and Davidson, and the heart-stopping motorway experiences in Robbinsville, these are the best lakeside towns in North Carolina.

Lake Lure

Developed around its eponymous lake, Lake Lure is rich with recreational opportunities. Lake Lure Beach and water park are popular summer destinations for residents and tourists alike, while the Lake Lure Washburn Marina is available for those looking to spend a day fishing or playing water sports.

A short distance from the lake lies Chimney Rock State Park, a popular space for rock climbing and bouldering enthusiasts to try their hand at scaling the side of Rumbling Bald Mountain. The Flowering Bridge Education Center, named for the historic landmark, offers a variety of gardening-themed workshops for residents, helping promote and maintain the town’s natural beauty, just one of the many programs and events available year-round.

Read the full article here.

 

4)  Burke County, Lake Lure receive millions in FEMA funds to aid Helene recovery

by: Doug Coats

Posted: Feb 27, 2026 / 07:36 PM EST

Updated: Feb 27, 2026 / 07:36 PM EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Three western North Carolina communities will receive more than $16.5 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to continue recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. 

Charlotte-area Rep. Tim Moore announced Friday the funding will support critical infrastructure repairs and debris removal in Lake Lure, Burke County and Polk County following the historic 2024 storm. 

“This funding helps our communities move from cleanup to full recovery,” said Moore in a statement. “In Burke County alone, this means clearing hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of debris to protect families and public safety.” 

Burke County will receive two separate FEMA awards for debris removal operations. The first award provides $3.5 million for debris removed from roads and public property, including more than 47,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris and nearly 1,000 cubic yards of construction and demolition-related debris. The total project cost of $3.9 million is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share.

The second award provides $7.5 million in federal funding at a 100 percent federal cost share for additional large-scale debris removal operations.  

Lake Lure will receive $1.3 million to repair critical lake safety facilities damaged during the storm. The total project cost of $1.49 million is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share. 

The second award provides $7.5 million in federal funding at a 100 percent federal cost share for additional large-scale debris removal operations.  

Lake Lure will receive $1.3 million to repair critical lake safety facilities damaged during the storm. The total project cost of $1.49 million is funded at a 90 percent federal cost share. 

Read more here.

 

5) Lake Lure announces updates regarding Hurricane Helene recovery efforts

Lake Lure 978.7 MSL

Published 1:32 pm

Friday, February 20, 2026

 By Jamie Lewis

Lake refill ongoing, marina and boardwalk construction underway    

LAKE LURE—The Town of Lake Lure announced earlier this month that it had begun the lake refilling process, and as of Wednesday, February 18, the lake stands at 976.6 feet Mean Sea Level, which is approximately 15 feet below full pond levels.  

The town began refilling the lake on Friday, February 6, and informed visitors that the process would be slow and carefully managed. For safety and environmental reasons, the lake level cannot be raised by more than approximately one foot per day.   The town also announced its partnership with the North Carolina State Mission Assigned Recovery Task (SMART) Program. Crews will pick up debris around the lake and shoreline as water levels begin to rise in the coming weeks.   Construction is underway for the new Washburn Marina and boardwalk, with a goal of reopening in July. Additionally, a fueling station, new docks, and the existing boat ramp are expected to be ready for use in May. The town reminds visitors that Morse Park, featuring a newly renovated playground, is currently open to the public, though guests may encounter construction zones for the time being.

Read more here.   

 

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING UPDATE

 

The Town of Lake Lure began the comprehensive planning process in the summer of 2025, in partnership with the Foothills Regional Commission.  Since that time, we have held four in person public input sessions.  One was a virtual session, one was in a traditional format at "The Landings", our temporary Town Hall, and two were held in an open Round Table Forum at the same location.  

• Additionally, multiple focus groups have been held.  One was with the Lake Advisory Board and one with the Parks and Recreation Board.  A third focus group session is being held with the Planning and Zoning Board. .  Two additional focus groups will be held with residents and staff.   

• An online public input survey has been shared in various forums. 690 of Lake Lure's residents have completed the survey.  The Foothills Regional Commission advises that this is a very good response rate compared with other municipalities. It is difficult to get high survey responses these days, but for a Town of our size they are very pleased. The vast majority of responses are from full and part-time residents. 

 A report will be prepared in the spring compiling all of the public input later in 2026. This report will be widely shared once it is published. 

 

MEETING THE MARK

 

 

• You may review a summary of the Town Council Regular Meeting Summary - Tuesday, February 10, 2025 

• You may review a summary of the Lake Lure Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting from Wednesday, February 25, 2025. 

• Review the March Town Meeting Calendar here.  

 

 

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

 

Town Council made the following advisory board appointments for boards with vacancies. Those appointed will begin their board term beginning on March 1, 2026.

Board vacancies are as follows:

• ABC Board – 3 Members

• Candidates currently serving as regular members seeking reappointment: 1. Trace Boswell 2. Bob Cassano 3. Richard Sayles
• Candidates not currently serving on the Board seeking appointment: 1. Sherry Smith
• Town Council approved the reappointment of the current Board Members: 1. Trace Boswell 2. Bob Cassano 3. Richard Sayles

• Board of Adjustment/Lake Structure Appeals Board – An existing alternate member will be transitioned to a regular member, leaving 1 alternate member position vacant.

• Candidates not currently serving on the board to be considered for appointment as an alternate member: 1. Andrew Knowles
• Town Council approved the appointment of Andrew Knowles as an Alternate Member. 

• Lake Advisory Board – 3

• Candidates currently serving as regular members seeking reappointment: 1. Gary Hasenfus 2. Mark Helms
• Candidates not currently serving on the Board seeking appointment: 1. Cory Collie 2. Michael Gibbs 3. Andrew Knowles 4. Jim Langenbach
• Town Council approved the appointment of Michael Gibbs as a new Board Member.

• Parks & Recreation Board – There are no vacancies.

• Short Term Rental Advisory Board – 1

• Candidates not currently serving on the Board seeking appointment: 1. Steve Allen 2. Steven Gage 3. Andrew Knowles
• Town Council approved the appointment of Steven Gage as a new Board Member.

• Zoning and Planning – 2

• Candidates currently serving on the Board seeking reappointment: 1. Ken Williams.
• Candidates not currently serving on the Board seeking appointment: 1. Liz Geary 2. Andrew Knowles
• Town Council approved the appointment of Liz Geary as a new Board Member.

You may apply to serve on one of the following Town Boards. Just click on the title below to learn more about each board.

• ABC Board
• Lake Advisory Board
• Lake Structure Appeals Board/Board of Adjustment
• Parks and Recreation Board
• Short-Term Rental Advisory Board
• Zoning and Planning Board

For additional information, please refer to the Lake Lure Advisory and Statutory Board Handbook or contact the Town Clerk at the email above.  

A Board Member Luncheon Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11:00 at The Landings.

 

MORSE PARK, SHORELINE STABILIZATION, AND DREDGING 

 

Shoreline: The next step in the restoration process in and around Morse Park is securing the shoreline. 

• The shoreline around Morse Park is being armored with riprap as shown in the photo above. 
• Riprap will help prevent erosion by absorbing the force of waves and water, protecting the soil underneath, and stabilizing the bank.  
• The expanse of low lying dirt beyond the banks will be underwater once the lake levels resume to full pond.
• Dredging is taking place near this area

Dredging: Mechanical dredging is taking place to prevent future sedimentation build up in a small section of the riverbed near Morse Park. Crews have removed 8,200 Cubic Yards (CY) from the lakebed thus far.  The contract is for removing 30,000 CYs. Remaining sediment piles are located on Happy Hollow and Morse Park, with plans to remove all visible pipe and equipment as water rises.

Park grounds: The mound of dirt in Morse Park is being used to level out the grounds in the area to minimize future drainage issues.  Once this process is complete beautification and grass planting will begin. 

Next Steps for Morse Park: The next steps will be to utilize input and information from the Comprehensive Plan to develop a Morse Park Master Plan so additional amenities can be added based on resident preferences. 

 

2026 LAKE USE REGULATIONS

 

The 2026 Lake Use Regulations can be viewed here.     

• We are pleased to advise that there will be no change in personal Lake Use Fees in 2026, which includes no fees for personal non-motorized boats in 2026.

• Note that one change that was made to the 2026 Lake Use Regulations is that beginning in 2026, vacation rental management companies will be required to register and commercially permit non-motorized boats, as they are already required to do with their motorized boats. This change was made as these non-motorized boats are being utilized for commercial purposes. 

• You may download the 2026 Lake Use Fees. 

• You may download the 2026 Commercial Boat Permit Application for both non-motorized and motorized boats. 

• February 1, 2026 is the deadline for all no-motorized and motorized commercial applications.

• 2026 Lake Lure Non-commercial Boat Permits will be available for purchase beginning January 12, 2026 and you may learn more here. 

 

LAKE LURE DISC GOLF

 

 

While we are waiting on the lake levels to rise, enjoy some disc golf at the Lake Lure Green Space!

The Lake Lure Parks, Recreation, & Lake Department partnered with Jay McCarthy of Disc Golf Design Group, the Western North Carolina Disc Golf Association, and Dan Bragdon of Camp Lurecrest to provide Lake Lure with a temporary disc golf course at the Lake Lure Green Space. It is a mostly open 9-hole course with 3 tee pad options from beginner (Red) to intermediate (White) to advanced/pro (Blue). You may download the map here.

This is a fun and challenging course designed for everyone from beginners to professional disc golf players. 

RULES: 

• Disc Golf players must yield to pedestrians walking or biking on the paths.
• The Green Space is open to walking and biking only. No golf carts, ATV’s, or other vehicles allowed.
• Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.

Have fun and enjoy your time on the Lake Lure Green Space.

 

WASHBURN MARINA UPDATES

 

• Work has begun to rebuild the Washburn Marina and floating boardwalk and we hope this will be in place by mid July 2026. 
• The lake must be at full pond to complete some of the work. 
• We anticipate the lake being at full pond by late May 2026, so this is the reason for the July completion date.
• A new boat ramp will be built and a new dock with the fueling station will be for added on the left side if you are facing the marina from the parking lot.   
• You can see the new docks being constructed in the parking lot this week as shown in the photo above.
• The small marina building has been removed and a temporary modular building will be utilized for the 2026 season, until a more permanent structure is built. 
• Note that Town Officials are still awaiting a determination from FEMA on both Town Hall and the Welcome Center. Updates on these structures will be provided as soon as additional information becomes available. 
• The following is an illustration of the 2026 Washburn Marina and Boardwalk that is being designed in a duplicate pattern as the previous version that was destroyed by Hurricane Helene.
• 208 rental boat slips are be added along with 6 hourly boat rental slips. 

 

 

 LAKE LURE DAM

 

Lake Lure Dam by Stephanie Ansley

• Spillway Repairs: The Tainter gate seal repair project on the spillway was completed this week. 

• 30% Design Project for the Lake Lure Replacement Dam: The Town received confirmation of grant funding for $484,471. Staff coordinated with Schnabel Engineering to obtain an updated Work Order (#10) for $910,900, and Town Council approved the work order and budget amendment. This project has begun and is expected to take 6– 8 months. This is a major step forward in the process of constructing the new dam.

• Detailed Design: FEMA has approved the grant application for the detailed design phase of the replacement dam (Work Order 10B). Total project costs are $3,500,000, with the Town responsible for a 35% match ($1,225,000) and grant funding approved for the remaining 65% ($2,275,000). The Town of Lake Lure was recently awarded this grant.  

 

KEEP IT IN THE ROAD!

 

• Highway 64/74A Beyond Chimney Rock Village: Highway 64/74A heading West beyond Chimney Rock Village remains closed to the public at large. It is open to "locals", which is defined as those who live and work in the area. Please do not use this road if you do not have to, as contractors have to stop their work to allow for passage when cars go by, slowing the recovery process. 

• NC DOT updates on Highway 64: A temporary road is expected to be open between Chimney Rock and Hendersonville was extended to June 30, 2027 (YES, 2027). For more information, visit the North Carolina Department of Transportation's (NC DOT’s) Drive NC link: https://drivenc.gov/?type=incident&id=715074      

• From South Carolina: From I-26 towards Asheville take Exit #66, then take the first exit for Highway 108). Turn left onto Highway 108 East. Follow 108 East for approximately 6 miles to the intersection of Highway 108 and Highway 9 (a traffic stoplight). Turn left onto Highway 9 North. Go 8 miles to the stop sign (Lake Lure will be in front of you).

• From Asheville: From I-26 towards Spartanburg - Take Exit #67 (Rutherfordton - Highway 108), once you exit, turn left onto Highway 108 East. Follow 108 East for approximately 6 miles to the intersection of Highway 108 and Highway 9 (a traffic stoplight). Turn left onto Highway 9 North. Go 8 miles to the stop sign (Lake Lure will be in front of you).

• Boys Camp Road Bridge:  he final draft for Boys Camp Road Bridge design is complete and will be advertise for bid. The plans is to review bids and make a recommendations for the award by March 18, 2026.

• Proctor Road Culvert: Public Works crews will begin repairing the large culvert pipe on Proctor Road in the coming week. 

• Paving: Plans are underway to repave Lake View Drive.  Paving on Charlotte Drive will now have to be delayed due to the need for staging debris from the SMART Program at the Public Works space behind the Fire Department.  The paving will occur once this program is complete. 

• One Lane on Memorial Highway: NC DOT is working on road repairs on Memorial Highway over the next two weeks.  Please allow additional time when going through town as there will be periodic areas with one lane open as these repairs are made.  This work is expected to take a couple of weeks.  We are very grateful to have this work being completed.   

 

 

FINANCIAL REIMBURSEMENTS RECEIVED

 

The following is a summary of the financial reimbursements the Town of Lake Lure has received following the destruction of Hurricane Helene.  

Key: Categories A: Debris Removal, B: Emergency Protective Measures and Permanent Work, Categories C-G: Roads, Water Control, Buildings, Utilities, Parks

• FEMA Coordination and Recovery Funding: Town staff continued weekly meetings with FEMA leadership to advance ongoing storm recovery projects and advocate for Lake Lure’s funding needs, with a focus on accelerating support for key infrastructure projects and ensuring timely reimbursement.

  • Staff also worked closely with ICF to advance funding through FEMA Public Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

  • Applications for HMGP have been submitted, while the Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) cycle has not yet opened.

  • The Town has successfully secured NCDEQ Division of Water Infrastructure (SA-HMW) funding for several major Hurricane Helene-related projects, including the Wastewater Treatment Plant replacement, a water line extension to Yacht Island, and the construction of bulk chemical storage facilities at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

  • In addition, the Town received $562,500 in funding through the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) to support the sewer replacement project.

  • The Town is nearing completion of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for the sewer replacement project.

  • Additionally, the Town has received confirmation of selection for Additional Assistance to support EDA Return on Investment (ROI) and Impact Analyses.

  • This assistance is being provided through the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) in partnership with NC Growth, and will help ensure comprehensive evaluation of project outcomes and economic impact.

  • Staff continue to actively monitor and pursue emerging funding opportunities through the American Flood Coalition, including a submitted application for a dam failure impact study, and other state and federal programs to maximize recovery resources for the Town.

• FEMA reimbursement amounts:
  • $862,186.69 – Category A (Debris Removal): Vegetative, C&D, and White Goods debris from Lake Lure and waterways
  • $754,185.81 – Category B (Emergency Protective Measures): Town-wide
  • $65,390.00 – Category A (Debris Removal): Vegetative debris from ROW and public property
  • $503,580.00 – Category C (Roads and Bridges): Design of permanent Boys Camp Road Bridge
  • $118,323.67 – Category B: Temporary hydroelectric plant emergency repairs
  • $8,250.00 – Category B: Temporary Town Hall Facility
  • $13,255.75 – Category A: Dumpster rentals
  • $28,531.78 – Category B: Temporary Relocation Costs – Town Hall Facility
  • $9,681.02 – Category F: Municipal Water Supply Damage – 100% Complete Work
  • $745,485.13 – Category B: Emergency Access Restoration at Dam
  • $8,913.73 – Category F: Municipal Water Supply System Damage – Boys Camp Road Bridge Waterline
  • $977,417 – Category F: WWTP A&E
  • $1,482,977.10 – Lake Safety Facilities

• The following items are obligated, but pending reimbursement:
  • $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
  • $1,996,515.95 – Marina Docks Damages (Marina Replacement Project)
  • $64,677.34 – Temporary Town Hall Facility – 90%
  • Proctor Road and the Flowering Bridge. Final amounts pending agreed upon fixed cost offer.

 

VISIT THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE!

 

Lake Lure with Snow by Buddy Morrison

While visitors should be mindful of ongoing recovery efforts, several local businesses and recreation areas have reopened.  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. 

Download the Travel Guide here.  

Please visit the Local Restaurant Guide

And here are some of the amenities that are currently open to the public.  

• Morse Park, New Playground, and the Lake Lure Gazebo 
• Dittmer-Watts Nature Trails
• Disc Golf
• Lake Lure Green Space
• Pool Creek Picnic Park
• Check out the New Flowering Bridge Education Center and Gardens as they are being created           

These amenities are in Lake Lure and are open to the public.

• Youngs Mountain
• Rumbling Bald Golf Courses
• Chimney Rock State Park  (But reservation only) 
• Chimney Rock State Park – Rumbling Bald Access - Click here to reserve your tickets!

Additionally, horseback riding is available in the area along with zip lining, escape rooms, a candy cabin, and so much more!

Buffalo Creek Park/Weed Patch Mountain Trail/Upper Boulders Trail: Ongoing work is also taking place at Buffalo Creek Park, Weed Patch Mountain, and the 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!  Progress continues to be made on Upper Boulders Trail, and a small section may be opening soon. The Town received a grant of $50,000 to assist with restoration.  Please stay tuned for updates!

Turtle Rock Trail: A new trail is being created near Pool Creek Picnic Park. Please stay tuned for updates!

Upcoming Events and Meetings:

• March 1 - 30, 2026  Collegiate Rowing Teams - Training and competitions Location: Lake Lure

• March 4, 2026 | 9:00 AM - ROC Trail Tamers Workdays - Location: Register here to confirm the trail location

• March 4, 2026 | 10:00 AM - "How to Make Beaded Cord Bracelets" Class - Location: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Education Center 

• March 6–8, 2026 Carolina Climbers Coalition – “2026 Rumble”  - Location: Rumbling Bald and Lake Lure Green Space

• March 10, 2026 | 8:30 am Town Council Meeting - Location: The Landings

• March 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM - ROC Trail Tamers Workdays - Location: Register here to confirm the trail location

• March 18, 2026 | 9:00 AM - ROC Trail Tamers Workdays - Location: Register here to confirm the trail location

• March 18, 2026 | 11:00 AM - Board Member Lunch Meeting - Location: The Landings

• March 25, 2026 | 8:30 am Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting - Location: The Landings

• March 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM - "Learning about the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird" Class - Location: Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Education Center 

 

2026 EVENTS CALENDAR 

 

You may download the 2026 Town of Lake Lure Calendar of Events.  This is a dynamic calendar so please check back regularly to check for updates. Please email Communications@townoflakelure.com for questions or suggestions. The Calendar is of Events is linked on the banner at the top of the homepage on the website.

You may review the official Town Calendar for information on Town Meetings. 

 

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

 

Published 2/27/26