North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson and Matt Calabria, Director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), visited Lady Marian Dam in McDowell County to highlight recent state funding aimed at repairing dams damaged by Hurricane Helene.
The Department’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) awarded more than $2.7 million to Lady Marian Dam. The funds will be used to create a permanent controlled breach of the high-hazard dam and install a larger spillway. This new infrastructure will allow water to flow through a channel and culvert system after storms, preventing prolonged water retention. High-hazard dams are classified as those whose failure could result in loss of life or significant damage to property and infrastructure downstream.
“Hurricane Helene caused billions of dollars in damage to infrastructure in Western North Carolina, including dozens of dams,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “This $7.3 million is the start addressing damage to dams that pose the highest risk to residents throughout the region, so that we can protect lives, homes and businesses during future storms.”
“Making critical infrastructure investments today will allow Western North Carolina to better withstand future disasters and enable communities to recover faster than before,” said GROW Director Matt Calabria. “The state has committed over $3 billion to Helene recovery efforts and will continue to advocate for the federal funding needed to meet recovery needs.”
Lady Marian Dam was one of eight high-hazard dams in Western North Carolina receiving grants totaling more than $7.3 million for repairs related to Hurricane Helene. During the hurricane, Lady Marian Dam’s riser collapsed, blocking a downstream culvert with debris.
The Dam Safety Grants are funded through a $10 million allocation approved by the North Carolina General Assembly.
After Hurricane Helene, DEMLR staff inspected over 400 dams across mountain communities and identified about 40 damaged structures—36 classified as high hazard—with issues ranging from minor erosion to full failure due to flooding.
Other grant recipients include Feeney Dam in Henderson County ($2.6 million), Flowers Lake Dam in Catawba County ($203,500), Lake Junaluska Dam Powerhouse ($178,875) and Wingwall ($19,400) in Haywood County, Lake Lure Dam in Rutherfordton County ($720,409), Laurel Lakes Dam also in Rutherfordton County ($282,000), and Warrior Mountain Lake Dam in Polk County ($561,000).
A second round of applications is open through June 19, 2026 for an additional $2.7 million available for eligible dam owners seeking support for repair or removal projects related to Hurricane Helene damage.
According to the official website of the Department of Environmental Quality, this agency supports public education on environmental compliance across North Carolina while delivering science-based stewardship that promotes health and prosperity statewide. The department regulates air quality, land use, water resources—including oversight of dam safety—and coastal environments throughout North Carolina from its central office at 217 West Jones Street in Raleigh.
More information on these grants is available online.
