The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Flood Resiliency Blueprint has awarded more than $1.2 million for two flood resilience projects in Swannanoa and Rosman, according to a May 19 announcement.
The funding aims to reduce future flood risks by creating nearly 9 million gallons of flood water storage, restoring tributary streams and wetlands, stabilizing streambanks, and installing natural stormwater infrastructure. The initiative comes as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild resiliently in Western North Carolina following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
“Rebuilding more resiliently in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene continues to be an urgent priority,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “These projects will make downstream communities less vulnerable to damage during future floods.”
In Swannanoa, RiverLink will receive $822,780 for a project on a parcel along the Swannanoa River that was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene. The work will create significant new flood storage capacity and use natural stormwater solutions while providing economic, recreational, and educational benefits to the community. In Rosman, Conserving Carolina is set to receive $450,000 for a project on former agricultural land near the headwaters of the French Broad River. This effort includes restoring three acres of wetlands and improving water quality while protecting local infrastructure such as parks and wastewater treatment facilities.
“We’re excited to partner on these much-needed projects, which will complement ongoing recovery efforts, build resilience and help reduce the costs and disruptions caused by future floods,” said Flood Resiliency Blueprint Program Manager Stuart Brown.
The Flood Resiliency Blueprint was established in 2021 at the direction of the North Carolina General Assembly as a statewide planning tool based on science and stakeholder engagement. It is currently funded for six river basins across North Carolina with plans for further expansion as resources allow.