In the fall of 2018, under the direction of Chairman Peter M. McCoy, Jr., the Charleston County Legislative Delegation formed the new ad hoc Countywide Intergovernmental Flood Prevention Taskforce Committee chaired by Senator Sandy Senn.  The primary purpose of the Committee is to bring together all pertinent governmental agencies and interested citizens for quarterly meetings to discuss the major issue of flooding and methods to fix existing pipe ways and waterway infrastructure in the Lowcountry. The Committee mission statement is “to promote cooperative effort amongst all governmental entities which have existing stormwater departments, rights of way and heavy equipment so that existing ditches, drains, flood valves, retention ponds, and the like can be kept in the best possible repair in order to minimize damage to residential homes and property.”

The taskforce is not designed to fix major flooding areas or areas impacted by rising sea levels, nor is it designed to be a public venting session.  This is a working taskforce where the goal is to bring all agencies together which have easements and rights of way in Charleston County and ask them all to work cooperatively to solve drainage problems that can be fixed within existing budgets.  Most, if not all, state and local agencies have signaled their willingness to participate and are expected to attend, as will many elected officials.

Charleston County Delegation Chairman Peter McCoy stated, “This taskforce is modeled after one formed initially on James Island which has seen success.  We now believe the concept should be taken county wide.  It is expected that this taskforce may likely have significant impact on older neighborhoods which previously did not flood but which now do experience flooding.”

State Senator Sandy Senn, appointed by Chairman Peter McCoy to chair the taskforce, stated: “It is amazing what can be fixed within existing drainage infrastructure when agencies work cooperatively and send in engineers with ‘can-do’ attitudes.  I have witnessed firsthand just how awesome these engineers are when problem solving together. I have also witnessed firsthand just how overjoyed residents become when they see heavy equipment rolling into their neighborhoods and coming to the rescue.  We need more happy residents seeing their tax dollars at work.”

Residents of Sullivan’s Island are encouraged to complete the Residential Flood Prevention Questionnaire by following the link to https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/legislative-delegation/files/Flood-Prevention-Questionnaire.pdf?v=34.  Pictures are very helpful.  Please copy Andy Benke at abenke@sullivansisland.sc.gov on your reply.