Dredging project set to transform Mirror Lake this fall

During a recent town board meeting, significant updates were provided regarding the Mirror Lake dredging project, a long-awaited initiative aimed at improving the lake's water quality and navigability. Pat Gleason, a representative from the Mirror Lake Improvement Association, detailed the progress made on the project, which has been in the planning stages for several years.

Gleason highlighted that the first phase of the dredging plan has received crucial approvals, including a water quality permit from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and a full permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. These permits allow for dredging to commence without significant restrictions, paving the way for work to begin as early as late September or early October.

The first phase of the project will involve dredging a 250-yard stretch both upstream and downstream from the Mirror Lake bridge, targeting the removal of small islands and addressing shallowness that has developed over time. Future phases of the project aim to extend the dredging further into the Mill Creek watershed and downstream towards the dam.

Gleason expressed gratitude to the town for its support in raising funds necessary for the project, which included a $5 million grant from the state of North Carolina. He also mentioned that temporary easements for property owners along the lake's shoreline are being finalized to facilitate the dredging process.

In addition to the dredging updates, the meeting included discussions on community engagement and the importance of addressing local property issues, indicating a broader commitment to improving the town's infrastructure and environment. The town board's support for the Mirror Lake project reflects a proactive approach to enhancing local resources and ensuring sustainable development in the area.