U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Extends Lake Lure Recovery Work For One Month

Recovery work at Lake Lure continues under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with an extended mission through Nov. 20, 2025, officials announced on Oct. 17. The extension allows crews to finish stabilizing the lake and surrounding shoreline after extensive debris and sediment removal following Hurricane Helene.

The lake restoration mission has been extensive and complex, evolving from surface debris removal to managing subsurface sediment and stabilizing the shoreline. To date, USACE teams have removed more than 1.2 million tons of debris. Contractors have now shifted to restoring work areas, redistributing sediment for shoreline stabilization and park restoration, and grading sites to proper elevations. Trucking and barge operations are complete, marking a significant step toward returning Lake Lure to pre-storm conditions.

“The Town of Lake Lure is deeply grateful for the extraordinary work accomplished and this extension, which allows the lake to be safe, stable, and navigable,” the town said in a statement.

USACE is still evaluating whether additional shoreline debris will be removed. Any debris left behind will be addressed later as lake levels rise. Sediment removal is complete in all the coves identified as most impacted by the storm, and no further cove work is planned, the town said.

The town, FEMA, and USACE remain committed to implementing mitigation measures to reduce future erosion and sedimentation. Officials said updated plans and visuals will be shared with the public soon.