Exclusive: Chimney Rock Extends Emergency Order, Moves Ahead With Major Infrastructure Projects

Chimney Rock continues long-term storm recovery work with new grants, road improvements, and funding stability.

The Chimney Rock Village Council voted on Oct. 21 to extend its local state of emergency declaration through March 28, 2026, allowing continued access to recovery funds and coordination with state and federal agencies as storm-related repairs move forward.

Mayor Peter O’Leary and town administrator Steve Duncan said the extension keeps the village eligible for FEMA and state disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Helene. FEMA-funded security staffing from Apex Security and road reconstruction are ongoing along the Hickory Nut Gorge corridor, connecting to Bat Cave and Henderson County, which was heavily damaged last year from massive flooding and landslides along the Rocky Broad River.

During this week’s meeting, the council approved contracts for the $5.5 million Small Business Infrastructure Program, a series of recovery and utility projects administered by Destination by Design and engineered by McGill Associates. The projects are funded through the North Carolina Department of Commerce and include work to strengthen water, sewer, and streetscape systems across the village.

Officials also authorized three new Division of Water Infrastructure grant applications:

• A $6 million wastewater treatment plant project;

• A $4.1 million Southside Drive sewer expansion; and

• A $2.5 million water system resiliency project, including backup generators and two new wells.

  
  

Duncan said the town’s strong application scores are due to documented losses from the 2024 storm, including a 70% drop in water and sewer revenues. “We’ve proven the need, and we’re early in line,” he said.

Council members also voted to join the State Mission Assigned Recovery Task Force (SMART) debris removal program, administered by the N.C. Department of Public Safety, to assist residents who missed earlier FEMA deadlines or still have storm debris on their property. The effort is being coordinated with Rutherford County. One Shumont Road resident, who had previously missed the opportunity to apply through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) contractor, is now eligible under the SMART program. 

Rutherford County residents outside of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure town limits were excluded from PPDR assistance for several months, until the county manager, Steve Garrison, signed a memorandum of understanding with North Carolina Emergency Management to participate in SMART, which oversees contractor engagement and management.

To support local tourism, the council authorized up to $9,000 from the general fund for the design and installation of new pedestrian locator signs by a Rutherfordton-based vendor. The signs will include maps and business listings near the public parking area and restrooms downtown.

Financial reports show the village is on stable footing, with $855,000 in its water and sewer fund and $775,000 in its general fund. Officials say FEMA and DEQ reimbursements are keeping pace with spending, allowing the town to continue infrastructure projects without borrowing.

Representatives from Destination by Design also briefed the council on ongoing recovery efforts under the Raise the Rock Action Plan, including river restoration, grant applications through Dogwood Health Trust and the Appalachian Regional Commission, and coordination with Lake Lure and Henderson County on regional utility planning.

The next town council meeting is scheduled for November 18 at 5:30 p.m.