Reflecting on the past year, we are reminded of the importance of building up our communities. When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina in September of 2024, many of our projects and clients were immediately impacted. In the Town of Burnsville, the hurricane caused a significant infrastructure failure, leaving the town’s water system crippled. Floodwater washed away 2,200 linear feet of influent piping and the raw water pumps supplying the treatment plant. Knowing the critical risks involved with these infrastructure issues, Harper teams mobilized immediately alongside local engineers, trade partners, and town officials.
Harper’s team worked quickly to engineer and install a temporary two-stage diesel pump system, restoring 950 gallons per minute of flow to the treatment plant. This was achieved despite working over steep terrain and through ongoing storm impacts. A second phase added a hybrid electric-diesel backup system, powered by a custom transformer, to adapt the town’s single-phase grid to the three-phase power required for the pumps.
“Coordinating the logistics to reach the location with the necessary equipment and materials was a significant task that required collaboration,” stated Kate Dotten-Holder PE, Charlotte Regional Director. “We are grateful to United Rentals, Cooper Sand and Gravel, and Charles Underwood for their support. It is incredible to have trade partners who were just as eager to help us restore water service.”
Within a week of landfall, clean water was flowing again. Crews also cleared fallen trees, reopened driveways, and delivered food, fuel, and heating supplies to residents.
In the months following the storm, Harper continued to invest in Western North Carolina. Projects included renovations and a new addition at Burnsville Elementary, as well as renovations at Cane River Middle and East Yancey Middle for Yancey County Schools. We completed renovations at Enka High, Johnston Elementary, and Windy Ridge Elementary for Buncombe County Schools. We are building the new Town of Burnsville Police Station and recently completed the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department. Beyond civic and educational projects, the new 60-acre LightEn Center for Consciousness and Action is continuing to take shape in the Blue Ridge Mountains. These projects demonstrate the community’s resilience, as they continue to build and move forward after the storm…