Lake Lure Dam Replacement May Cost More than $175 Million, Engineers Say

Lake Lure is moving ahead with plans to replace its century-old dam, but preliminary estimates show the project may cost more than $175 million — before several major expenses are added.

Town records show the replacement project has completed its alternatives analysis and conceptual design and is now in the preliminary 30% design phase.

Brendan Stepik, project manager with Schnabel Engineering, told the Town Council that one construction estimate is about $158 million, including contingency. An independent estimate puts the cost at over $174 million.

Neither estimate includes property acquisition, utility relocation, permitting, engineering services during construction or potential future hydroelectric facilities.

Town officials also are concerned about coordination with the planned N.C. Department of Transportation bridge replacement. Council members said construction of the new dam will require significant use of the existing one-lane bridge, making timely bridge replacement important.

The town is continuing discussions with NCDOT.

Meanwhile, the separate Boys Camp Road bridge project is moving toward construction after AT&T removed utility poles. The contractor is expected to mobilize soon and has 120 days to complete the work.

The existing Lake Lure dam is classified by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality as a high-hazard dam. The designation does not mean the dam is currently failing or that failure is imminent. It reflects the potential for loss of life and significant property damage if a failure were to occur.

The dam is also approaching its 100th anniversary. Mayor Carol Pritchett said the town's centennial celebration will begin Sept. 30, marking 100 years since the dam was completed.

Pritchett called the dam a symbol of Lake Lure's history and resilience, particularly after it survived Hurricane Helene.

As Lake Lure celebrates the dam's first century, town officials are now planning its replacement — and determining how to pay for what could become one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in the community's history.