From Staff Reports 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Tim Moore on Oct. 22 announced the approval of $13,851,577.47 in federal FEMA disaster funding for Tropical Storm Helene recovery projects across Lake Lure, Rutherfordton and Polk County.

“Projects include critical building and bridge repairs, park restoration and debris removal,” a press release from Moore’s office noted later Oct. 22.

Moore was quoted in the release as saying the following:

“Western North Carolina has made significant progress since Hurricane Helene, but recovery is far from over.

“This funding will repair school buildings, restore the Lake Lure bridge, reopen parks, and clear debris across Rutherford and Polk counties. I appreciate the (Trump) administration and the folks at FEMA for continuing to prioritize Western North Carolina’s recovery.”

The full breakdown of the awards for the Town of Lake Lure ($8,760,453.28 total across three awards) is as follows:

• $4,934,881.17 (Stafford Act Section 428): Repairs to public park facilities including Morse Park, Lake Lure Beach and Water Park, lake access ramps, the lake seawall and cobblestone walkway, Pool Creek Picnic Park, Lake Lure green space, a fire department dry hydrant, and the Washburn Marina seawall.

• $2,255,390.10 (Stafford Act Section 428): Restoration of the pedestrian bridge connecting Lake Lure and Chimney Rock.

• $1,529,181.91 (Stafford Act Section 428): Restoration of Buffalo Creek Park, Weed Patch Mountain Trails, and Lake Lure dredge spoils retention ponds.

The breakdown for Rutherfordton ($3,161,956.00) is as follows:

• $3,161,956.00 (Stafford Act Section 406): Restoration of two hurricane-damaged school buildings located at 132 Maple Street and 134 Maple Street.

The breakdown for Polk County ($1,970,168.29) is as follows:

• $1,970,168.29 (Stafford Act Section 407): Funding to support ongoing Helene debris removal operations.