W. North Carolina – As the Memorial Day weekend approached, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) played a pivotal role in ensuring that the Pigeon River rafting season could proceed despite the devastating impacts of Storm Helene. The storm had severely damaged infrastructure, including Interstate 40 and a Duke Energy hydroelectric power plant, leaving local whitewater outfitters facing an uncertain future.
Collaborative Solutions for Recovery
NCDOT engineers Kenny McCourt and Daniel Ross devised a plan that not only aimed to restore access for rafting businesses but also provided a cost-effective solution for all parties involved. “It could have been the end of us if we couldn’t facilitate rafting trips this year,” said Lacy Bramlett, secretary of the Pigeon River Outfitters Association, which represents eight companies that guide rafting trips on the river. The urgency of the situation was clear, as local businesses relied heavily on the upcoming season for their survival.
The NCDOT awarded an $8.4 million contract to Whaley Construction to replace two bridges on Waterville Road, located just a short distance from the state line. However, the storm delayed these plans significantly. In response, McCourt and Ross coordinated with Duke Energy, officials from Cocke County, Tennessee, and representatives from the whitewater industry to develop a new boat launch plan. “We took aerial images of what they used as a boat launch before… to figure out what would make it work and what would make it nice,” McCourt explained.
The collaborative effort resulted in a new boat launch being constructed on Duke Energy property, downstream of the power plant. This strategic location allowed for simultaneous construction of both bridges while providing a vital facility for whitewater businesses and private boaters. “All parties agreed, and all parties went to work — for the benefit of everybody,” McCourt noted.
Impact on Local Economy
The temporary launch, completed by April 1, featured space for ten buses and private vehicle parking, along with signage to direct visitors. Bramlett expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by NCDOT and its partners: “We love what’s been created for us. It helps us plan for businesses, our employees and how to generate revenue this year.” The local rafting industry is significant, generating an estimated $6 million in annual revenue and ranking among the top five most popular whitewater locations in the country.
In 2020, over 210,000 people rafted down the Pigeon River, making it one of the busiest rivers in the nation. “NCDOT, working with Duke Energy and the county, has put us back in place to facilitate the same number of users we had last year,” Bramlett stated. She emphasized that rafting is crucial for Cocke County’s economy, second only to property taxes in revenue generation.
Bramlett further highlighted the importance of reopening Interstate 40: “At the lowest rate all outfitters could use to take people rafting, we’d combine to roughly do $6 million in revenue… Opening that line between North Carolina and Tennessee has helped us tremendously.” The collaborative efforts of NCDOT and its partners not only salvaged the rafting season but also reinforced the economic stability of the region.
The Pigeon River’s popularity as a whitewater destination has been well-established over the past decade. With more than 176,000 rafters last year alone, it remains a key attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. As Bramlett noted, “More people pay to go down the Pigeon River than all but the nearby Ocoee and Nantahala rivers, and the White River in Arkansas.”
In summary, NCDOT’s proactive measures and collaborative planning with local agencies and businesses ensured that the Pigeon River rafting season could continue despite significant challenges posed by Storm Helene. The successful completion of the new boat launch not only preserved local businesses but also highlighted the importance of community cooperation in times of crisis.