Old Hope Mills Dam Demolished

More than four years after it failed, the Hope Mills Dam is coming down.

The dam was destroyed in 2003 when a series of thunderstorms dumped up to 6 inches of rain in Cumberland and Hoke Counties. The resulting flash floods affected several homes, eroded two roads and caused four dams to fail.

A $9 million replacement dam, which has been delayed by cost overruns and permitting issues, is about 60 percent complete. Crews have started demolishing the remains of the old dam.

Once the new dam is complete, Hope Mills Lake can begin refilling.