Contractors supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers remove sediment from Lake Lure and the Broad River in support of Hurricane Helene recovery operations in Western North Carolina, July 9, 2025. Using heavy equipment such as excavators and rock trucks, crews are creating a passable waterway for barges to access and remove submerged debris. This sediment removal effort is a key step toward restoring safe conditions for the local community and facilitating long-term recovery. So far, more than 50,000 cubic yards/more than 585,000 tons of soil and debris have been removed.
Jason Smith, a Contract Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District, was named USACE Contract Specialist of the Year for his leadership during Hurricanes Helene and PTC 8. Smith oversaw over $1.6 billion in contracts, accelerated recovery efforts through drone technology, and prioritize small business participation.
For more than 250 days, John Fay provided consistent leadership for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Private Property Debris Removal mission in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Serving as a zone manager, he helped coordinate rotating teams and oversaw key operations across 16 counties. As the mission nears completion, his efforts reflect the scale and complexity of long-term disaster recovery.
