FEMA Won’t Fund Lake Lure Boathouse Demolitions, Town Records Show.

Federal disaster funding will not cover the demolition of damaged boathouses and other lake structures in Lake Lure, leaving property owners and the town to shoulder the cost of removing hazards left behind by Hurricane Helene, according to records obtained by WCAB News.

In its December departmental summary, town administrators said that they were informed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision denying direct federal assistance for lake structure demolitions “cannot be appealed.” A separate request to the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management for removal funding was also denied, the report states.

Town staff said multiple damaged structures must be removed before the lake can reopen because they pose public safety risks. Community Development officials reported they have identified several lake structures requiring demolition and have begun assisting affected property owners with planning and cost estimates now that federal assistance programs have been denied.

Under FEMA rules, disaster aid generally prioritizes public infrastructure and emergency debris removal, while privately owned structures often fall outside eligibility guidelines. As a result, town officials said owners are now responsible for demolitions that were previously expected to qualify for federal aid.

The funding denial comes as Lake Lure continues extensive recovery work tied to Helene. Town records show 15 FEMA Public Assistance projects have been obligated, including 13 small projects and two large ones. The town has received more than $4.2 million in reimbursements so far, with additional payments pending.

Officials said staff are continuing to explore remaining options for debris removal through the state’s SMART program. A contractor selected through the program is expected to be on the lake in early January to finalize the scope of shoreline and remaining lake debris cleanup, allowing work to proceed without an upfront cost to the town.

At the same time, town departments are preparing for the lake’s reopening, with ongoing work on marina repairs, boat ramps, docks and fuel systems. Officials have said removal of unsafe structures remains a requirement for public safety, regardless of the loss of federal demolition funding.

Town leaders have not released a cost estimate for the boathouse demolitions and said discussions with property owners are ongoing. The January town council meeting is scheduled for today at 5:00 p.m. You may read the 131-page meeting packet here.