Rebuilding Together: Harper General Contractor’s Commitment to Western North Carolina
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.
Caring for our neighbors is a core value deeply ingrained in our team members, and it was heartwarming to see so many volunteers step up to support Western North Carolina. What stood out was the kindness, support, and resilience displayed by everyone in the community. It was a testament to the strength we can find in each other during such difficult moments.
Kate Dotten-Holder, PE
About Harper: Throughout Harper’s seven-decade history, we have had the opportunity to develop strong professional relationships with clients across the Carolinas. By bringing to life the vision of our clients, Harper leaves a lasting impression on members of the community. The core of the company is geared toward collaborating with clients and design professionals in an open and transparent manner, enabling the client to know how every project dollar is being invested. An award-winning company, Harper consistently receives recognition in the areas of quality, safety, environmental stewardship, and community involvement. For more information, visit harpergc.com.
