The project is supported by over a decade of previous planning efforts, studies, and public engagement showing strong technical feasibility and public support.
The residents of Henderson County have been continually engaged with this project since 2018. The project components have been included in plans and studies which engaged the public broadly, as well as key stakeholders such as local business owners and advocacy groups. The thoroughness of these public engagement efforts ensures each project component will deliver the greatest benefit to the community.
Over 580 residents were engaged with the previous grant process, with the overwhelming majority in support. Strong public support for each project component is documented by the Above the Mud Trail Feasibility Study (2024), 7th Avenue Design (2018-ongoing), the City of Hendersonville’s Parks and Greenspace Plan (2024), City of Hendersonville Gen H 2045 Comprehensive Plan, Walk Hendo Pedestrian Plan (2023), and public engagement in preparation for the 2022 Reconnecting Communities grant application, and for the City's 2025 and 2026 BUILD Grant applications.
The 2026 Build Grant Application is submitted by the City of Hendersonville in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Henderson County, Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, Ecusta Trail, and the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization.
