Lake Lure Is Still Rebuilding from Helene, Officials Say, But Progress Is Visible

When Hurricane Helene tore through the North Carolina mountains on Sept. 27, 2024, it left Lake Lure nearly unrecognizable. The marina was gone. Town Hall was gutted. The dam was compromised. The lake itself was closed.

Nearly two years later, as the anniversary approaches, the small resort town of roughly 1,200 permanent residents is still deep in recovery — battling FEMA over repair costs, waiting on replacement infrastructure that may take years to complete and wrestling with environmental violations that have gone unaddressed for months. But amid the frustration, a clearer picture of what has been rebuilt, what is underway and what remains uncertain is beginning to emerge.

Officials provided updates at the town's June work session, in the meeting packet and summary published on June 29.

The Lake Is Open Again

Perhaps no single milestone has meant more to Lake Lure's identity and economy than the reopening of its namesake lake, which came in May in a phased approach. Town officials say the stationary marina docks are decked and fenced. Lake Lure Tours' boat slips are being reattached. The floating marina and boardwalk are on schedule for substantial completion by July 17, 2026. Courtesy docks near Pool Creek Park are next. A fueling station remains delayed, with the tank expected to arrive in early July. The town is working with Rutherford County building inspectors on a phased certificate of occupancy process, allowing completed sections to open while construction continues.

The Dam Remains the Longest Shadow

Engineering firm Schnabel is finalizing a 30 percent design for a replacement dam and is expected to submit a proposed work order to complete a Dam Failure Impact Assessment, funded through the state's OSBM Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program. The study is intended to model the downstream consequences of a potential dam failure.

A river boom and dam boom system are also in design. Anchors for the dam boom have been installed, but engineering for the river boom anchoring system is not yet complete.

The NC Department of Transportation Board recently pushed its timeline for a new road for the dam, as WCAB News previously reported.

Town Hall: A Fight With FEMA

More than a year and a half after the storm, Town Hall has not been restored. FEMA's initial site inspection identified only damage visible to the naked eye; contractor assessments completed afterward found additional repair needs — insulation, electrical systems, HVAC components, roofing and concealed structural conditions — not captured in FEMA's estimate.

Town Manager Olivia Stewman told the council that FEMA has indicated it intends to issue a formal determination rejecting the town's revised scope and cost estimate. Once received, the town will pursue the appeals process. The town has requested quotes from multiple contractors for site preparation work.

The Sewer System: An Invisible Crisis

The town's wastewater treatment plant was destroyed by the storm and has not been replaced. Design for a replacement facility is underway, along with a FEMA-required assessment comparing repair versus replacement costs.

Because much of the subaqueous sewer system is not physically accessible, the town submitted original engineering drawings and a conceptual replacement cost estimate to FEMA to establish an initial funding obligation. The town plans to use remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds before year's end to support sewer replacement, focused on installing piping across the dam this fall.

A Bridge, a Waterline and a Park

The Boys Camp Bridge is expected to be replaced by Dec. 9, 2026. Contractor NHM Constructors has been issued a notice to proceed and has 120 calendar days to complete the work once mobilization begins.

The Charlotte Drive Waterline Project has been expanded to include roughly 1,300 linear feet of new waterline along Lake Ridge Drive — a $68,500 addition to an existing $761,500 engineering contract with LaBella Associates.

At Morse Park, grading work has been awarded to Stott Construction, with mobilization expected July 6 and completion in approximately four weeks.

An Unresolved Code Case Raises Environmental Concerns

On Mintwood Court, two adjacent properties — parcels 1611501 and 1600457 — have sat in legal limbo for months after the owner deviated from approved construction plans, removing more trees than permitted, before the general contractor abandoned the project in 2025. Permits were revoked.

The parcels are owned by Scott and Linda Freerksen, according to county property records. Scott Freerksen is the co-founder of Restore Lake Lure, a fundraising campaign launched after Hurricane Helene to support the town's recovery. He did not respond to an email request for comment.

Town staff said the owners have not responded to follow-up attempts by phone or in writing. Neighbor Rosanna Thompson of Garden Lane addressed the council in June and submitted written comments urging the town to seek a court injunction.

"The 26th of June is 30 days from the last meeting and unfortunately the lots have not been touched as of today," according to the town's summary, adding that the brush has become increasingly dry and poses a fire hazard. She also raised concerns about a trout-protected stream below the lots that drains into Lake Lure. Town staff said the bidding process for abatement work is expected to begin within seven to ten days. No injunction has been filed.

Grants, Lobbyists and the Long Road Ahead

The town employs lobbyists Mike Hager and Bre Wilhelm of Hager Strategic Solutions to monitor state budget developments. In June, the council approved a memorandum of understanding with Carolina Land & Lakes Resource Conservation and Development to pursue Community Development Block Grant funding.

The town's FY24 audit received an unmodified opinion — the highest available — from auditor Allen Thompson of Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co., though the audit flagged concerns about separation of duties, cash reconciliation and procurement card oversight. A Comprehensive Plan is also in progress, with a public hearing anticipated in early August.

The Anniversary Ahead

Sept. 27, 2026, will mark two years since Helene made landfall. By then, the marina may be fully operational. The Boys Camp Bridge may be complete. The Comprehensive Plan may be adopted.

Fireworks Ahead

There are two public firework shows planned this weekend: At the town's beach and at Isothermal Community College, to celebrate America's 250th birthday. An additional one is planned at Rumbling Bald for its members and guests.