Lake Lure outlines marina rebuild, lake reopening target for spring 2026

Lake Lure town officials released a sweeping recovery update on Dec. 16, detailing plans to rebuild Washburn Marina, reopen Lake Lure by late spring 2026, and advance millions of dollars in water and sewer projects following the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

The town has signed a contract to rebuild Washburn Marina and its floating boardwalk, aiming for completion by mid-July 2026, as we previously reported. The timeline hinges on restoring the lake to full pond by May 2026 to allow construction to proceed.

“The lake must be at full pond to complete some of the work,” said the town's statement. “We anticipate the lake being at full pond by May 2026, so this is the reason for the July completion date.”

Officials said the storm-damaged marina building will be demolished this week, with a temporary utility structure planned for the 2026 season until a permanent building can be constructed. Designs for a new dock and fueling station are underway and will soon go out to bid, while quotes are being sought for a new boat ramp.

The update also confirms that no Lake Use fee increases are planned for 2026. “We are pleased to advise that there will be no change in Lake Use Fees in 2026, which includes no fees for personal non-motorized boats,” the town announced. One regulatory change will require vacation rental management companies to register and commercially permit non-motorized boats beginning next year.

Town leaders said they remain hopeful the lake can reopen to the public in May 2026, following ongoing dam repairs and water-level management. As of Dec. 15, the lake stood at about 977.5 feet mean sea level, with plans to lower it again to complete repairs on the dam’s Tainter gates before refilling begins in February.

“The Town of Lake Lure remains hopeful that we will be able to reopen the lake in the late spring of 2026,” the statement said. 

Major infrastructure funding is also moving forward. Officials announced approval of Division of Water Infrastructure Helene grants totaling more than $12 million, including $6.6 million for emergency waterlines, $5 million for a new wastewater treatment plant outside the floodplain and $464,000 for bulk chemical storage at the water treatment plant. 

“These inspections are part of ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the Town’s sewer system and prevent environmental impacts,” the town said, noting smoke testing, debris removal and upgrades to monitoring systems.

While shoreline debris remains in several coves, officials said the town has secured a plan through North Carolina’s State Mission Assigned Recovery Task (SMART) program to remove remaining debris, with details forthcoming.

Despite the ongoing work, leaders emphasized that the town remains open to visitors. “The Town of Lake Lure and all businesses are open and welcoming visitors,” the announcement said, though the lake itself remains closed to unauthorized access for safety reasons.

Town officials described the update as part of a broader effort to rebuild stronger after Helene, citing extensive coordination with state and federal partners, including FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as continued public input on long-term planning for the town.