Charleston Takes Big Steps to Combat Flooding: Pump Station Groundbreaking
Charleston is buzzing with excitement as officials broke ground on a much-anticipated pump station aimed at tackling the persistent flooding issues plaguing the intersection of King and Huger streets. As rainfall has become a familiar foe for residents in the area, this latest project promises to deliver relief to those affected by frequent inundations.
Understanding the Flooding Problem
For residents like Brenda Peart, flooding is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a growing concern. During rainy days, the intersection often transforms into a temporary water feature, with depths reaching ankle to waist high. This makes daily errands and trips to the local Circle K gas station almost impossible. “When it rains, I chuckle to say I have waterfront property, but it’s no joke,” Peart lamented. She lives nearby in the Enston Homes senior living community, where many of her neighbors are elderly and struggle to navigate the flooded streets.
The statistics are telling: between 2016 and 2022, city records show the roads were closed due to flooding nearly 40 times, averaging around five extended closures per year. With rain events becoming more common, it’s clear that a solution was urgent.
The Pump Station Solution
On October 28, excitement was in the air as city officials, along with representatives from the Charleston Housing Authority and construction partners, gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new pump station. The project involves creating a drainage system that will funnel stormwater away from the troubled intersection and directly into Newmarket Creek. The pump station, designed to move approximately 70,000 gallons per minute, is set to be a game-changer for the neighborhood.
Part of the project will also involve digging a retention pond that will help manage rainwater more effectively. This pond will be situated on land graciously donated by the housing authority, just south of the Enston Homes community. While this space has been used by neighbors for dog walking and community events, Peart expressed some concern over losing a bit of green space and the nearly 20 trees that were cut down for the project.
A Promising Partnership
Despite the bittersweet feelings about losing some greenery, there is a spirit of optimism in the air. Arthur Milligan, CEO of the Housing Authority, emphasized that the city is committed to transforming this area into a parklike amenity that balances both flood control and community enjoyment. “It’s about more than just infrastructure—it’s about creating a space that residents can enjoy while addressing the flooding concerns,” Milligan noted.
Charleston’s Mayor William Cogswell heralded the project as a perfect blend of “form and function.” The project comes with a hefty price tag, with the city securing a $10 million grant from the South Carolina Infrastructure and Economic Development Fund alongside an additional $9.6 million from city funds to cover the total costs. This second phase follows the first phase which wrapped up early in 2022, where underground pipes were updated to double their diameter to improve drainage efficiency.
Looking Ahead
The construction timeline indicates approximately 18 months of work ahead. As residents eagerly await a sunnier future without the fear of flooding, Peart and her neighbors have noticed slight improvements already since the first phase of the project, offering a glimmer of hope.
Charleston is on its way to not just rebuilding but reinventing how it manages stormwater, making significant strides to create a safer, more enjoyable environment for all its residents. With the community rallying behind these improvements, it’s safe to say Charleston is more determined than ever to combat flooding woes.
Stay tuned as more updates come in through the construction phases and see how these changes unfold for the bustling city and its residents.
