Lake Lure Council: Restoration nears completion as town looks toward full pond by Spring

By Annie Dance | From our partners at WCABnews.com

Lake Lure Town Commissioners meeting. Courtesy photo | WCABnews.com

The long-anticipated restoration of Lake Lure is almost complete, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expected to finish dredging and repair work by November 20. Town officials say the milestone marks a turning point after years of storm recovery and construction that have reshaped the lakefront.

Mayor Carol Pritchett announced during the November council meeting that the lake level has already reached 970 feet and continues to rise. “It’s wonderful to actually see the lake coming up again,” she said. “Our economy will begin to bloom once more.”

Town Manager Olivia Stewman reported that while no additional sediment will be hauled away, the existing material will be reused to stabilize the banks and strengthen the shoreline. The repurposed sediment will also help restore Morse Park to its pre-storm condition, reducing erosion.

Council members heard updates on a range of projects aimed at improving infrastructure and preparing for the lake’s full return. Repairs to the Tanner Gate are underway, with "informal" bids due November 17 and completion expected by February 8. Stewman said the schedule keeps the refill timeline on track for a full pond by May 2026, depending on rainfall.

Progress continues on the town’s new cell tower, with the foundation complete and the main structure expected to arrive later this month. The tower is projected to be operational in early 2026, with AT&T and T-Mobile already approved for antenna installations.

Council also approved a $1.8 million contract to rebuild the marina and boardwalk with Construction Specialties and Design Builders—the same firm that built the original marina in 2012. The project is expected to enhance public access and support tourism once the lake reaches normal levels.

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Upgrades to Fire Station 2 are moving forward through a combination of local and state funding, including support from the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority’s Back to Beautiful Fund, the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department Board, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. If a federal SAFER grant is approved, the improvements could allow the addition of four new firefighters.

On the transportation front, LaBella Engineering is finalizing the design for the Boys Camp Road Bridge, expected by February. The replacement dam bridge has also been added to the state’s transportation improvement plan.

Mayor Pritchett thanked residents for their patience and commitment throughout the restoration process. “Everyone has contributed to this,” she said. “We have every right to feel proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

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