Lake Lure is 'like a crime scene': Mayor Outlines Recovery Timeline

Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene drained Lake Lure and devastated the town’s infrastructure, officials said on Sept. 9 that the community is finally on a clear path to recovery.

WCAB News was the only outlet present as leaders outlined firm target dates for the lake’s restoration. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects to finish sediment removal and shoreline repairs by Oct. 31, 2025, clearing the way for a gradual refilling and a full reopening by May 2026.

“This milestone comes after an extraordinary year of collaboration, dedication, and unwavering effort by local, state, and federal partners,” town leaders said.

Target dates set

Under the plan, the lake will reach a partial level of 978.5 feet by March 1, 2026, allowing visiting rowing teams to resume training. A full pond of 990.5 feet is expected by May.

Mayor Carol Pritchett called the rowing return a powerful symbol: “It’s not only wonderful to see all those young people out there with everyone telling them, ‘Pull, pull,’ but it’s also an optic I think all of us would like to see — that things are returning to normal.”

FEMA delays and “crime scene” rules

Not all projects are moving quickly. FEMA has yet to issue rulings on Town Hall, Washburn Marina, and the Welcome Center.

The mayor described the Welcome Center as frozen in limbo. “You actually cannot demolish something until FEMA determines what the outcome is going to be,” she said. “I think of it kind of like a crime scene … which is why that gas pump continues to lay on its side out there.”

Marina and park plans

Temporary facilities will allow limited boating before the marina is rebuilt. Portable restrooms and a new marine gas pump are on order. An RFP is out for new boat slips.

Morse Park, currently closed, is slated to reopen with a new Kaboom playground set, scheduled for installation on Oct. 15, 2025.

Businesses urge NCDOT to ease restrictions

During public comment, business owners pressed the town to lobby NCDOT to relax storm-related restrictions on Highways 64 and 74.

Kimberly Sayles, owner of the Grafton Lodge, said fall tourism is critical: “If a dump truck can travel the road … why cannot tourists travel it on the times DOT is not working?”

The mayor said the decision rests with NCDOT: “They own the road, and it’s entirely their judgment.”

Sewer delays stall new restaurants

Restaurateur Chris Trusz said sewer delays are threatening his plans for The 828. “Starting last April, we were told two weeks … Memorial Day … July 4th. All those dates have come and gone,” he said.

Public Works Director Dean Lindsey responded that once DOT signs off on permits, connections will move forward quickly.

Community resilience

Closing the meeting, the mayor praised residents’ patience: “Everybody’s been very loyal and very patient and very dedicated to the fact that Lake Lure will be back. That says a lot for our community.”

She added that spring 2026 will be a landmark moment: “We are sending out invitations to everybody that we know, saying, ‘Come on down, y’all.’ My granddaughters will be out there on their paddleboards. That will be a huge day for Lake Lure, truly.”