PATTERSON, N.C. — A section of the Yadkin River along the Happy Valley Greenway has officially been restored and reopened after Hurricane Helene washed out parts of the bank in Caldwell County .

The $500,000 restoration was funded by the state's Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP). Work on the riverbank begin over a month ago on July 7, though work had been needed since at least 2023.

“The washout kept getting worse, and we knew something had to be done,” Caldwell County Soil and Water supervisor Jack Adams said.

Crews stabilized over 400 feet of eroded riverbank by installing rocks, matting, reinforcements to secure the bank. Boulders were added to create natural ripples.

The restoration extends from the parking lot to the greenway, so visitors are encouraged to walk

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