This initiative is designed to significantly reduce flood risks, enhance water quality, and restore natural habitat along one of the community's most historically flood-prone corridors.
The project is currently underway, with construction beginning on the South Grove St. site, part of the area situated between Greenville Highway and South Grove St. The ambitious plan aims to restore over 20 acres of the Mud Creek floodplain and stream corridor, which has repeatedly caused flooding problems for surrounding properties.
Restoring Natural Function for Community Resilience
According to Michael Huffman, the City's Stormwater Director and Floodplain Administrator, the restoration marks the culmination of years of planning. The core strategy involves floodplain reconnection and stream restoration through natural infrastructure improvements.
"By restoring the natural function of Mud Creek’s floodplain, we are creating space for water to spread out during heavy rain events, reducing impacts to nearby development and infrastructure, and improving the overall health of the Mud Creek Watershed and floodplains,” Huffman stated.
The City originally acquired the two properties targeted for restoration in 2002 with the explicit goal of preserving and improving flood storage capacity in the area.
Key Benefits and Funding
The restoration is expected to deliver multiple benefits for the Hendersonville community:
Flood Risk Reduction: By restoring the natural floodplain, the project will create additional storage for stormwater, helping to reduce peak flood levels and lessen downstream impacts during heavy rainfall.
Habitat & Water Quality: Reconnected wetlands and the planting of native species will act as a natural filter for runoff, significantly improving water quality in Mud Creek and restoring vital habitat for local wildlife, including fish and birds.
Community Resilience: This initiative is a critical step in strengthening the City’s long-term resilience against more frequent and intense rainfall, supporting Hendersonville's comprehensive floodplain management objectives.
The Lower Mud Creek Floodplain Restoration Project is made possible through strong partnerships and significant grant funding, totaling nearly $4.2 million. Major contributors include:
NC Division of Water Infrastructure: $1.9 million
NC Land and Water Fund: $1.8 million
Golden LEAF Foundation: $250,000
NCDEQ Water Resource Development Grant program: $200,000
Project Timeline
Construction is being managed by Shamrock Environmental, with engineering and oversight provided by Wildlands Engineering. The City anticipates the project will be completed in early 2027.
Residents will continue to be updated by the City as this long-term environmental and infrastructure project progresses.
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Image: City of Hendersonville