Producing high-quality, in-depth news takes significant resources. At Lake Lure News / Cops & Congress, facts come first, followed by in-depth commentary and analysis. Your subscription helps support independent journalism that brings you closer to the decisions shaping the community and ensures I can continue delivering the stories that matter most.
Rutherford County property owners who have struggled for nearly eight months to clear hurricane-related debris from their land are finally seeing relief. As of last week, county officials announced the launch of a Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program, offering free cleanup of storm-related damage.
The program, made possible through federal and state funding, was detailed by NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray in a May 22 presentation to the state legislature’s Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, Subcommittee on Hurricane Response and Recovery. The initiative, part of the State Mission Assigned Recovery Task (SMART) program, allows local governments to access prepositioned state contractors for debris removal and demolition of unsafe structures. Importantly, local taxpayers will not foot the bill. FEMA will reimburse the costs under Category A assistance.
Property owners can now apply for the program, but the process is complex. Rutherford County is believed to be the last in North Carolina to offer such a program for debris caused by Hurricane Helene, which devastated the area in late September. To qualify, residents must complete a Right of Entry (ROE) form, provide proof of ownership, and submit a sketch of the damaged property. Eligible debris includes vegetative, construction, and hazardous materials, while commercial properties will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Read the FAQs the county shared on its website and Facebook on May 22.
In a striking contrast to its neighbors, Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are relying on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to manage debris removal and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. They announced their programs in February. However, Rutherford County itself is not using USACE. Daniel Dubé, Emergency Management Specialist and FEMA public assistance group supervisor, said at a March Lake Lure town council meeting that the county was not using USACE, that they were using a state contractor.
Rutherford County stands alone as the only county in North Carolina set up this way, a fact highlighted in Ray's presentation. This means while certain municipalities in the county are benefitting from federal expertise and resources through USACE, the county government is handling recovery operations independently—an unusual and potentially risky arrangement for an area still struggling to clear debris and repair damage nearly eight months after the storm.
Sign-ups will take place at the Senior Center in Spindale this Wednesday and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For those unable to attend, a call-in option is available to request a unique online application link. It’s unclear if Lake Lure and Chimney Rock residents will be eligible, since they had PPDR under USACE earlier this year.
This long-awaited program for the rest of Rutherford County (like my property in Green Hill) is a vital step forward for residents grappling with the storm's aftermath. But with communication delays, multiple phone numbers, and limited online options, local leaders are under pressure to ensure the process runs smoothly.
For more information on how to apply, call 828-319-2880. Residents are encouraged to act quickly, as the program’s intake period is limited and will end on June 20.
Opinion & Analysis: Cops & Congress commentary
I can write for days about what did and didn’t happen before, but PPDR is finally here: Three things to watch
After months of community frustration and bureaucratic delays, PPDR is finally rolling out in Rutherford County. As someone who has been following and documenting this story for months, I can say—it’s about time.
While it’s tempting to write a long history of the many outstanding public records requests I still have, the confusion, delays, and opacity surrounding the county’s response to Hurricane Helene, I’ll cut to the chase. Here are three critical things to watch as PPDR begins:
1️⃣ Eligibility Hurdles
Although Rutherford County is finally accepting applications, the rules are complex, and not all debris qualifies. The county insists on multiple documents—Right of Entry forms, insurance details, property sketches—and FEMA’s eligibility standards are strict. Homeowners should be prepared to advocate for their cases, especially for debris that may not fit neatly into standard categories.
2️⃣ Communication Gaps
Let’s be real: the lack of consistent, clear communication from county officials has been a major source of frustration in my view. From multiple phone numbers to conflicting instructions, and an online sign-up process that isn’t truly “online,” expect continued confusion. The community must stay vigilant, sharing accurate information and holding leaders accountable for ensuring a smooth and equitable rollout.
3️⃣ Oversight and Transparency
The State SMART program and FEMA Category A funding are supposed to shield local taxpayers from costs, but we need to watch for oversight lapses and potential mismanagement. With multiple contractors involved and local government coordination required, it’s essential that every dollar is accounted for and that property owners know their rights. Public oversight is not optional—it’s crucial.
Bottom Line:
I can—and will—continue to document the twists and turns of Rutherford County’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. For now, let’s focus on making sure PPDR helps the people it’s meant to serve.
Stay tuned.
What kind of news matters to you? Take a moment to complete the survey.
Thank you for reading and watching. Learn more about this newsletter and my background. I am guided by the Society for Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics. Follow me on X (Twitter), Facebook, Linkedin, TikTok, and YouTube. Send constructive criticism, fan mail and tips with public documents for future stories: CopsandCongress@gmail.com.
Share this post