Tryon Approves Infrastructure and Community Projects

Town moves forward on dam rehab, trail expansion, and stream restoration with state and federal funding

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Town of Tryon, North Carolina, has approved a series of infrastructure, environmental, and community initiatives, including accepting a FEMA grant for the Lake Lanier Dam Rehabilitation Project, submitting a $3 million funding request for a segment of the Saluda Grade Trail, and pursuing grants for water and sewer plant assessments and Vaughn Creek stream restoration.

Why it matters

The approved projects aim to address aging infrastructure, expand recreational access, and improve environmental conditions in Tryon, leveraging state and federal funding opportunities. The dam rehabilitation, trail development, and stream restoration initiatives are expected to enhance public safety, community amenities, and ecological health in the town.

The details

The Lake Lanier Dam Rehabilitation Project will address safety concerns at the more than 100-year-old structure, which has been under regulatory scrutiny. The town will initiate a Request for Qualifications process for design engineers and pursue supplemental funding to meet the local match requirement. The $3 million Saluda Grade Trail proposal seeks federal funding for a 1.9-mile segment from the South Carolina state line to Lockhart Street, including restroom facilities, picnic areas, and event parking. The town also approved pursuing grants for assessments of the Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant, as well as a stream restoration project at Vaughn Creek in partnership with Conserving Carolina.

  • On February 25, 2026, the Tryon Board of Commissioners approved the infrastructure and community initiatives.
  • The FEMA grant for the Lake Lanier Dam Rehabilitation Project has been a long-prioritized effort to address the dam's safety concerns.
  • The $3 million Saluda Grade Trail funding request is for a segment that would terminate at Rogers Park.

The players

Town of Tryon

The local government of Tryon, North Carolina, which approved the infrastructure and community projects.

Jim Fatland

The Town Manager of Tryon, who provided details on the funding and procurement processes for the approved initiatives.

Conserving Carolina

A non-profit organization that is partnering with the town on the Vaughn Creek stream restoration project.

U.S. Rep. Tim Moore

The U.S. Representative whose office coordinated discussions between Tryon, Saluda, and Conserving Carolina regarding the Saluda Grade Trail proposal.

AARP

The organization whose Community Challenge Grant program the town is applying to for funding.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The approvals reflect a coordinated effort to strengthen aging infrastructure, expand recreational access, and improve environmental conditions while leveraging state and federal funding opportunities.”

— Jim Fatland, Town Manager (tryondailybulletin.com)

What’s next

The town will initiate the Request for Qualifications process for design engineers for the Lake Lanier Dam Rehabilitation Project and pursue supplemental funding to meet the local match requirement. The town will also submit the $3 million funding request for the Saluda Grade Trail segment and apply for the AARP Community Challenge Grant.

The takeaway

Tryon is proactively addressing its infrastructure needs, expanding recreational amenities, and improving environmental conditions through a coordinated effort to leverage state and federal funding opportunities. These initiatives demonstrate the town's commitment to enhancing public safety, community resources, and ecological sustainability.