Above the Mud Grant Input
The City of Hendersonville is calling on residents and stakeholders to help shape a transformative infrastructure project by participating in a brief survey. Your input is critical to strengthening the City’s application for the RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant, a prestigious program from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that could bring millions of dollars to improve transportation infrastructure in Hendersonville.
Above the Mud Project
The Above the Mud Project is designed to enhance multimodal infrastructure, boost economic development, and improve access and safety for Hendersonville residents and visitors. This project would connect the Ecusta Trail to the Oklawaha Greenway and extended trail network, elevate a section of the existing greenway that frequently floods, enhance South Main Street’s potential to host street events and festivals, and extend pedestrian and bicycle improvements to 7th Avenue past Maple Street.
Key project components include:
- Above the Mud Trail
A new 1.56-mile shared-use pathway connecting the Oklawaha Greenway to the regional Ecusta Trail, future Saluda Grade Trail, and Downtown Hendersonville.
- South Main Street Festival Street
A pedestrian-focused streetscape with flexible event space on South Main Street to catalyze economic development and connect downtown with three regional trails.
- Flood-Resilient Oklawaha Greenway Boardwalk
A .33-mile elevated boardwalk to retrofit the existing Oklawaha Greenway to be safer and more stormwater resilient during minor flooding.
- 7th Avenue Improvements
Pedestrian and bicycle enhancements along a .41-mile stretch between Maple Street and the Oklawaha Greenway including ADA-compliant sidewalks, lighting, and green infrastructure.
Why Your Input Matters
The City has gathered input on various aspects of the Above the Mud Project through previous studies and plans, including the Gen H Comprehensive Plan, Parks & Greenspace Master Plan, and Above the Mud Feasibility Study. Now, we’re asking the community for additional feedback to strengthen the grant application and ensure the project reflects the needs and priorities of our residents and businesses.
How to Participate
Take the short survey today! There is a short window to prepare the application, and we want community input before the end of the year!
City staff will also be present in Sullivan Park to collect community feedback on December 19th from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM to answer any questions and dive deeper into the project.
For more information about the Above the Mud Project visit the project webpage
