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Engineers present reconstruction concepts and cost estimate for Toe River Campground damaged in Hurricane Helene
Summary
CTL engineers presented two reconstruction concepts for the Toe River Campground, described site conditions including hazardous-material traces, and estimated preliminary demolition and rebuild costs currently approximated at $16.5 million; FEMA reimbursement will follow established FEMA damage inventory and reimbursement rules.
County Manager Lynn Austin invited CTL engineers to present conceptual designs and findings for reconstruction of the Toe River Campground, which suffered severe structural and utility damage during Hurricane Helene.
According to the CTL presentation attached to the meeting packet, surveys identified limited wetlands, traces of lead and asbestos in some materials, possible PCBs in electrical equipment, and no archaeological constraints. The presentation recommended building new structures on the original footprints for the general store, camp office, banquet hall and pool, and showed two site layout concepts with differing campsite counts and spacing to balance revenue potential and privacy.
Engineers reported several practical recommendations to improve resilience and visitor experience if the campground is rebuilt: bioswales for stormwater quality, improved septic fields, additional wells, concrete pads for flood protection and improved ADA access. The presentation notes that FEMA will reimburse "what it actually costs" once the county completes the FEMA damage inventory (DDD) and that the current cost estimate for reconstruction and associated packages is approximately $16.5 million.
Why it matters: The campground is a county recreational asset and its reconstruction affects tourism, public river access, and local economic activity. The presentation frames next steps for the county: finalize the FEMA inventory, prepare demolition and site packages, and move design work forward with attention to mitigation measures that FEMA will only reimburse if required by codes or mitigation rules.
Provenance: County Manager introduction (SEG 025) and the CTL engineering presentation and appendices are included in the meeting packet (Appendix N, SEG 735—61). The minutes record the presentation and the appended survey findings and cost estimate.
Ending: The presentation concluded with a list of next steps for county staff and consultants, beginning with finalizing the FEMA inventory and moving early demolition and site packages toward procurement and construction planning.
