Lake Lure council approves phased lake reopening

The Lake Lure Town Council voted Tuesday to begin a phased “soft opening” of the lake starting April 20, marking a major milestone in the town’s recovery while officials emphasized ongoing safety concerns and infrastructure work.

Town leaders said the lake is nearly back to full pond level — weeks ahead of earlier projections — following months of cleanup and restoration efforts after millions of gallons of water and debris violently came down the Broad River into Lake Lure during Hurricane Helene.

Miraculously, the century-old Lake Lure dam held, protecting people downstream. A massive cleanup, funded largely by FEMA and performed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff and contractors, helped clear the lakebed. However, officials said it was not possible to reach the bottom of the lake, which is 100 feet deep in some areas, to remove everything. There are still unknowns, officials noted. Further infrastructure repairs had to be made without water in the lake during the drawdown period. Now, as the water levels rise, some additional projects are ongoing.

“We’re almost at the finish line,” Mayor Carol Pritchett said, noting the rapid progress compared to earlier expectations of reopening closer to Memorial Day.

Soft opening with restrictions

Under the approved plan, the lake will reopen in a limited capacity to allow final safety checks and continued cleanup.

Key restrictions during the initial phase include:

• No-wake conditions for recreational boaters

• A ban on towing activities such as water skiing and tubing

• Limited boat access, with public ramps largely restricted to contractors

• Continued cleanup operations by debris removal crews

Non-motorized boating will be allowed for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, although officials cautioned that all activity will be at users’ own risk. It is unclear what public launch sites will be available. More details are expected to be released by the town this week. Fishing and swimming are also authorized, according to the memo from the town manager.

Town staff said the phased approach will allow crews to address remaining hazards, including submerged debris that could pose risks to boaters.

Lake recovery ahead of schedule

Officials reported the lake level had reached 989.99 feet and was expected to hit full pond within days.

Cleanup efforts have removed thousands of cubic yards of debris so far, with additional sediment removal underway in Morse Park.

Water quality testing has returned healthy results, and environmental improvements — including fish habitat installations — have been completed.

Infrastructure projects advancing

Alongside the reopening, the town is moving forward with several major infrastructure and recovery-related projects:

• Sewer repairs: Council approved engineering work tied to storm-related sewer damage, with construction expected to cost up to $2 million and potentially reimbursable through FEMA.

• Public works building: A $450,000 budget amendment was unanimously approved to restart a delayed facility project.

• Bridge replacement: Bids have been received for the Boys Camp Bridge project, with an award expected soon.

• Chemical storage facility: A new flood-resistant building will be designed using a state loan with full principal forgiveness.

In addition, the marina and boardwalk projects remain ahead of schedule, with some elements expected to be completed before mid-July.

Eminent domain action approved

Council also approved a resolution authorizing the use of eminent domain if necessary to secure easements for the bridge replacement project after unsuccessful negotiations with a property owner.

The measure allows the town to begin a 30-day notice process while continuing efforts to reach an agreement.

Looking ahead

Town officials said the April 20 reopening is only the first phase, with additional easing of restrictions expected as conditions improve.

The town manager, Olivia Stewman, will have the authority to adjust rules such as the no-wake restriction based on ongoing safety assessments.

Leaders stressed that while progress has been faster than anticipated, patience remains critical.

“This is a big deal for our community,” officials said, urging residents and visitors to prioritize safety as Lake Lure moves into its next chapter following Hurricane Helene.

Town council members present included Mayor Carol Pritchett, Mayor Pro Tem David DiOrio, and council members Patrick Bryant, Jim Proctor, and Scott Doster.