$3.8 Million in FEMA Funding Announced for Helene Recovery in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and Polk County

Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, more than $3.8 million in additional federal funding is headed to communities in the region for infrastructure repairs and recovery costs.

Congressman Tim Moore announced the FEMA funding Thursday for projects in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock Village and Polk County.

The largest awards are going to the Town of Lake Lure.

The town will receive $1.81 million for permanent repairs to its sewer collection system, which sustained significant damage during Hurricane Helene.

Another $1.56 million will fund permanent repairs to the Lake Lure Dam.

According to Moore's office, the dam project includes removing and replacing concrete stairs, chain-link fencing, the dam barrel, traffic signs and a crossing sign, along with restoring portions of the embankment.

Both Lake Lure projects are being funded through Section 406 of the federal Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, which provides federal assistance for the repair, restoration and replacement of disaster-damaged public infrastructure.

“This additional funding will help restore necessary infrastructure across Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and Polk County,” Moore said.

Moore said recovery work remains nearly two years after Helene struck Western North Carolina.

Chimney Rock Village will receive $312,717 to help manage FEMA Public Assistance grants associated with Hurricane Helene.

The funding is authorized under Section 324 of the Stafford Act, which provides funding for administrative costs associated with disaster recovery.

The village has been working through a lengthy recovery process since Helene caused widespread destruction along the Rocky Broad River and surrounding areas in September 2024.

Chimney Rock Village officially reopened to visitors in June 2025, but significant infrastructure and recovery work has continued.

Polk County will receive another $142,298 for work involving an earthen retention dam and related repairs or replacements damaged by Helene.

That funding is being provided under Section 406 of the Stafford Act.

Moore represents North Carolina's 14th Congressional District, which includes Rutherford County and parts of Polk County.

The newly announced funding adds to the ongoing federal, state and local effort to rebuild infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene.

“While it has been nearly two years since Hurricane Helene devastated our communities, significant recovery work remains,” Moore said.