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The base for the new road from Chimney Rock Village Village toward Bat Cave is progressing nicely, according to Mayor Peter O’Leary. (Photo courtesy of Chimney Rock Village Facebook)

Debris, sand, and silt cleanup are going well on Main Street. (Photo courtesy of Chimney Rock Village Facebook)

The US Army helps Village businesses recover by removing mud and debris. (Photo courtesy of Chimney Rock Village Facebook)

Officials also thanked Shields Tree and Grading workers, who uncovered the Chimney Rock Village Medallion in the Village Square on Wednesday, symbolizing the progress being made there. (Photo courtesy of Chimney Rock Village Facebook)

Some Main Street business owners and Terrace Drive residents returned to the Village for the first time since the storm on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Chimney Rock Village Facebook)

NC Governor Roy Cooper visited on Tuesday and spoke with local officials and firefighters, offering words of hope and encouragement. (Photo courtesy of Chimney Rock Village Facebook)

NC Governor Roy Cooper visited on Tuesday and spoke with local officials and firefighters, offering words of hope and encouragement. (Photo courtesy of Chimney Rock Village Facebook)

NC Governor Roy Cooper visited on Tuesday and spoke with local officials and firefighters, offering words of hope and encouragement. (Photo courtesy of Chimney Rock Village Facebook)

Helene leaves Village in ruins, recovery efforts underway

CHIMNEY ROCK—Two weeks after Helene devastated Chimney Rock Village in Rutherford County, officials’ updates on the progress of clean-up efforts and road and bridge construction have been inspiring.

Flood waters caused by Helene destroyed numerous structures on the side of the main street closest to the Rocky Broad River and severely damaged many others. Tons of mud and debris poured across downtown and into nearby Lake Lure. The storm also severely damaged the road itself, washing it away entirely in some places.

“The base for the new road from the Village toward Bat Cave is progressing nicely,” Chimney Rock Village Mayor Peter O’Leary said in a social media post on Wednesday. “The North Carolina Dept. of Transportation is working on a plan for a temporary bridge to Southside. No timeline is available yet.”

Federal agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and state officials have been onsite to coordinate the recovery response and survey the damage. NC Governor Roy Cooper visited on Tuesday and spoke with local officials and firefighters, offering words of hope and encouragement.

On Wednesday, officials were finally able to allow some Main Street business owners and Terrace Drive residents to return to the Village for the first time since the storm. Due to heavy road construction traffic and hazards, the passes issued for entry were suspended temporarily on Thursday until further notice. However, simply being able to access the site is a sign of hope.

“NCDOT and their contractors are making steady progress with the reconstruction of Main Street headed west to Bat Cave. While this will be a long process, it is encouraging to see the initial progress,” says O’Leary. “Debris, sand, and silt cleanup are going well on Main Street. Power crews are doing great work, and there are visible signs of progress in our immediate area. Power has been restored as close as Lured Market in Lake Lure (as of Monday). 

Officials say engineers from Odom Engineering have donated time to inspect commercial buildings on both sides of the river and will determine when the remaining buildings are safe to enter.

The government of Chimney Rock Village has expressed gratitude for the influx of generously donated food and supplies and the US Army’s efforts in helping Village businesses recover by removing mud and debris.

Officials also thanked workers with Shields Tree and Grading, who uncovered the Chimney Rock Village Medallion in the Village Square on Wednesday, symbolizing the progress being made there.

Although work is underway, there are still many months of rebuilding ahead.

To make a financial donation to support efforts, individuals can donate to the Chimney Rock Village Disaster Relief Fund at www.givesendgo.com/chimneyrockrelieffund.

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