News

City breaks ground on Mud Creek flood mitigation project

Work is under way on the Lower Mud Creek Floodplain Restoration Project, which is designed to reduce flooding between Greenville Highway and South Grove Street.

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 2, 2025

The city of Hendersonville broke ground this week on the Lower Mud Creek Floodplain Restoration Project, a major initiative designed to reduce flood risks, restore natural habitat and improve water quality along one of the community’s most flood-prone areas. 

The $3.2 million project will restore more than 20 acres of floodplain and stream corridor along Mud Creek, between Greenville Highway and South Grove Street with construction currently underway on the South Grove Street section. The area and surrounding properties have historically been vulnerable to repeated flooding. Through floodplain reconnection, stream restoration, and natural infrastructure improvements, the project will provide long-term flood mitigation benefits while enhancing the environmental and recreational value of the area. 

“This project represents years of planning and collaboration to bring meaningful flood risk reduction to our community,” city  Floodplain Administrator Michael Huffman said. “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.” 

The city acquired the two properties being restored in 2002 with the intent of preserving and improving flood storage in the area. The project is made possible thanks to grant support from the N.C. Division of Water Infrastructure ($1.9 million), the N.C. Land and Water Fund ($1.8 million), the NCDEQ Water Resource Development Grant program ($200,000), and the Golden LEAF Foundation ($250,000). Construction will be completed by Shamrock Environmental, with engineering and oversight provided by Wildlands Engineering. The project is expected to be completed in early 2027.  

Key benefits of the floodplain restoration work include: 

• Flood Risk Reduction: Restoring the natural floodplain will provide additional storage for stormwater during heavy rain events, helping to reduce flood peaks and downstream impacts.  
• Habitat & Water Quality Improvements: Reconnected wetlands and native plantings will filter runoff, improve water quality in Mud Creek, and restore habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. 
• Community Resilience: The project strengthens Hendersonville’s long-term resilience to more frequent and intense rainfall while supporting the City’s floodplain management goals. 
• Partnerships for Success: The project reflects strong collaboration between state agencies, local partners, and technical experts in stream and floodplain restoration.