News

City wins $2½ million for flood resilience

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 20, 2026

Hendersonville's Stormwater Department has secured $2,456,000 in grants to fund major stormwater improvements aimed at reducing flooding and strengthening community resilience, the city announced.

“This funding is going to be used to implement critical stormwater improvements in both the Wash Creek watershed and lower Mud Creek,” said Mike Huffman, Stormwater Director with the City of Hendersonville. “These projects reflect Hendersonville’s commitment to proactive flood mitigation, infrastructure resilience, and long-term community safety.” 

Of the total award, $2 million was provided through the N.C. Emergency Management Disaster and Relief & Mitigation Fund. An additional $456,000 was awarded through the NC Flood Resilience Blueprint. 

Wash Creek watershed improvements 

The $2 million grant from the state emergency management fund, along with $356,000 from the NC Flood Resilience Blueprint, will support improvements within the Wash Creek watershed. The project will replace aging and undersized stormwater infrastructure that has contributed to recurring and public safety concerns during heavy rainfall events.  

Planned upgrades include upsizing and relocating portions of the existing storm drainage system into the public right-of-way, allowing for long-term City maintenance. By increasing system capacity to meet higher design standards, the improvements are expected to reduce flood frequency and depth, improve roadway safety, and ensure more reliable access for residents and emergency services.

A top priority in the city’s Comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan, the Wash Creek project represents a strategic investment in long-term infrastructure resilience. 

Lower Mud Creek floodplain restoration 

The remaining $100,000 from the NC Flood Resilience Blueprint will support the ongoing floodplain restoration efforts along lower Mud Creek on the southside of Hendersonville. 

The initiative focuses on reducing flooding while restoring natural floodplain functions. Project components include reconnecting floodplains, restoring more than 2,000 linear feet of source streams, stabilizing 1,500 linear feet of Mud Creek streambank and enhancing approximately 20 acres of wetlands and riparian areas. 

These improvements will increase floodwater storage capacity, reduce chronic flooding in nearby commercial and residential areas, and improve water quality by addressing stormwater runoff and loss of wildlife habitats. Conservation easements will ensure long-term protection of the restored areas while allowing for green space development and improved community connectivity. 

Together, the projects demonstrate the city’s continued dedication to environmental stewardship, proactive stormwater management and climate resilience, the city said in a news release.