North Carolina Advances Flood Resilience with $5.7 Million Grant
In a major step towards enhancing flood resilience, Governor Josh Stein revealed an allocation of $5.7 million in grants aimed at mitigating flood risks in the French Broad River Basin. Announced in Woodfin, these funds will support eight projects designed to create floodwater storage, restore floodplains, relocate vulnerable infrastructure, and enhance water quality.
“Rebuilding western North Carolina after Helene means rebuilding stronger and smarter to prepare for future storms,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These grants not only rebuild and restore the French Broad River Basin but also help protect the surrounding communities so generations of North Carolinians can live in safety.”
Previously, the Flood Resiliency Blueprint had allocated $3.16 million for similar projects in 2024 and 2025, resulting in a total of 81 projects supported with over $40 million invested. DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson emphasized the increasing frequency and intensity of storms: “Communities throughout our mountains were devastated by Helene, and we know that storms are becoming more intense and more frequent throughout North Carolina.”
The Flood Resiliency Blueprint, a science-based initiative, focuses on strategic flood risk reduction and project funding. It is North Carolina’s largest investment in flood mitigation, equipping local governments with tools and data to prioritize and implement flood resilience projects across multiple river basins, including Cape Fear, French Broad, Lumber, Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, and White Oak.
Some of the notable projects include:
Woodfin Riverside Park Improvements
To mitigate flood damage experienced during Hurricane Helene, Woodfin will integrate flood resilience measures such as riverbank stabilization and stormwater improvements in Riverside Park.
Award: $284,000
Clyde Downtown Floodable Riverfront Park
Transforming 1.08 acres of FEMA buyout properties, this project will create a floodable park space to manage flooding and support local businesses and recreation.
Award: $401,226
Canton Park Street River Access
Led by the Haywood Waterways Association, this project will provide Haywood County’s first public river access and additional community amenities, focusing on flood resilience.
Award: $450,000
Chestnut Mountain Floodplain Restoration
The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will restore flood-prone land along Hominy Creek, enhancing flood storage and recreational benefits.
Award: $470,000
Canton Property Acquisition for School Relocation
To safeguard educational facilities, Haywood County Schools will relocate vulnerable buildings from flood-prone areas.
Award: $2,000,000
Black Mountain Veterans Park Complex
This initiative will reduce local and downstream flood risks through flood benching, wetlands construction, and stream restoration.
Award: $1,650,000
Hendersonville Lower Mud Creek Restoration
Focusing on a flood-prone area, this project aims to restore natural floodplain functions and increase floodwater storage capacity.
Award: $100,000
Hendersonville Municipal Stormwater Improvements
Hendersonville will upgrade stormwater infrastructure to prevent flooding and enhance public safety.
Award: $356,000
For more information, visit the North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint.
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