Lake Tillery developers seek support for emergency boat access improvement

Access to Lake Tillery for emergency response took center stage at the Union County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 7, 2025. Local officials emphasized the urgent need for quicker access to the water for emergency services, highlighting the potential life-saving benefits of streamlined operations.

A representative from the Norwood area, who has extensive experience with Lake Tillery, detailed the current challenges faced by emergency responders. "Right now, we have to hook the boat up, trailer it down to the ramp, unload, park, and so forth. It’s about a 30-minute process," he explained. "Having access to this would allow us to be on the water within about 5 minutes." This rapid response capability is crucial during emergencies such as boat wrecks or drownings.

The discussion also touched on the need for a supportive letter from the county to facilitate this access. The speaker noted that while he has reviewed existing agreements with Duke Energy and Union County, the situation remains somewhat ambiguous, describing it as "uncharted waters." He expressed confidence in the proposal, stating, "I know what I'm doing," and emphasized that any necessary engineering work would be at their own cost.

The urgency of the matter was underscored by the presence of local law enforcement, with the Chief of Police also advocating for improved access. The Chief reiterated the importance of being able to respond quickly to emergencies, reinforcing the community's need for a more efficient system.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners were urged to consider the proposal seriously, with the potential for significant improvements in public safety on Lake Tillery. The outcome of this discussion could pave the way for enhanced emergency response capabilities in the region.