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Tourism board outlines $30M in projects and recovery plan for Chimney Rock after Helene
Summary
Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority reported more than $30 million in projects under Rutherford Bound, described collaborative recovery efforts in Chimney Rock after Hurricane Helene and cited grant commitments and a DOT contribution to rebuild riverwalk infrastructure.
Don Casen, representing the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, delivered the TDA’s periodic report to the county commission, summarizing financials, ongoing committees and recovery work in Chimney Rock after Hurricane Helene.
Casen said the TDA’s Rutherford Bound initiative now includes more than $30 million in projects (14 completed, 11 planned) and that the program has leveraged roughly $60 million in tourism‑related investments including local matches and grant funding. He highlighted several completed ribbon cuttings and recent projects such as the Legacy Soccer Complex and trail work and noted funding commitments the task force and partners secured to support Chimney Rock recovery: an approximate $1.7 million DOT contribution to rebuild a riverside walk area, $5.5 million from state commerce, a $2 million commitment from Dogwood Trust, and a potential $13 million EDA grant to support landfill‑related work. Casen said Spokes of Hope and community volunteers helped initial rebuilding efforts.
Casen emphasized collaborative planning with DOT and other agencies and said the TDA and local partners have formed a Chimney Rock task force to implement a three‑tier plan for recovery and future tourism development. Commissioners thanked Casen and noted the report was for information only; no formal action was recorded.
