Mayor says lapse in tourism after flood will hurt McCaysville economy

Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — More than a week after floods rushed through downtown McCaysville, the small city has come a long way. But despite the cleanup progress, downtown sits empty. McCaysville Mayor Terry Arp said the lack of tourism, one of the city’s primary economic drivers, will hurt its residents economically during the holiday season. “The new normal is, there’s just going to be nothing here for a while,” he said. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: One week after devastating flooding, McCaysville still surveying, cleaning up damage Blue Ridge Railway’s holiday train rides are underway. Typically, the train takes a two-hour layover in downtown McCaysville and downtown Copperhill for riders to shop, eat and explore. But right now, the train isn’t stopping, Arp said. “There’s no reason to get off,” he said. “Nothing’s here.” Arp said he hopes layovers can resume in the spring so the already suffering economy can stay afloat. “We’re a tourist town, and that’s how we get revenue to keep us going. So it’s not only devastating for all the citizens, and for the housing folks and the business, but it’s also pretty devastating to the city. Because, you know, the revenue’s gone,” Arp said. The City of McCaysville remains under a boil water notice. Gov. Brian Kemp’s disaster declaration, which frees up state resources to help the area recover, has been extended through Nov. 19. Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.