School board approves submission of Nicholson Creek streambank stabilization grant

At its March 17 meeting, the Transylvania County Schools board moved to approve submission of a restoration grant application to the North Carolina Land and Water Fund to support Nicholson Creek streambank stabilization.

Carrie Putnam presented the project and said the first phase would protect fields and nearby neighborhoods across from the high school. She said most of the creek corridor borders district property and is within the flood plain, making the land largely unusable for development.

Putnam told the board that if the grant is awarded the district would grant a right-of-way easement of 50 feet from the creek centerline. She estimated project timing as several years out: grant approval, contract negotiation, then construction beginning around 2027 if the grant is awarded.

Board members moved and seconded the motion to approve the grant submission and related easement permissions. The board voted in favor; the chair declared “the motion carries.”

The presentation noted no local cash commitment beyond granting the easement; Putnam said “there's really no skin in the game for Transpania County Schools except for the right away on the easement for 50 feet from the center of the, creek bed.” The project would require subsequent negotiations and contracting after any award.

The board did not discuss construction vendor selection or detailed mitigation plans for flood-borne debris at the time of the vote; Putnam said debris mitigation “has not been discussed” but that district staff could handle local cleanup if needed.