Mount Pleasant Receives $1M Federal Grant for Shem Creek Project
Rejuvenation efforts for Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant have received a significant boost as the town is awarded a $1 million federal grant. The project, aimed at combating the effects of future climate change on the waterway, has been championed by local officials since 2022 when the request for federal aid was made.
Building a Resilient Shem Creek with NOAA Grants
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants have allocated over $265 million to nationwide projects designed to strengthen climate resilience in coastal communities. Among these, the Shem Creek Habitat Restoration and Economic Vitality project in Mount Pleasant received $1 million, a significant portion of the near $2 million estimated budget for the three-year project lifespan.
The grant from NOAA is supplemented by the conscious efforts of town leaders who intend to match the federal funding with more than $200,000 from the town’s budget. This joint financial commitment will ensure the project can be realized and deliver on its important goals.
Effects of Climate Change on Shem Creek
According to forecasts by NOAA, the East Coast is likely to experience a sea-level rise of between 10-14 inches over the next 30 years. This increase in sea levels consequently leads to the erosion and high sedimentation in bodies of water like Shem Creek, causing destruction to the natural habitat of marine wildlife.
The Shem Creek Restoration Plan
The project aims to tackle these issues head-on. The restoration plan includes the removal of over 6,000 cubic yards of sediment and debris material from the creek to increase marsh elevations. These steps aim to protect not just local properties and communities, but also the delicate ecosystems that call Shem Creek home.
Key measures in the initiative include establishing around nine acres of marsh and intertidal ecosystems. Furthermore, native plants, marsh, and sub-aquatic vegetation will be integrated into the waterway to form a natural barrier against erosion, higher tide cycles, and storm surges.
Kevin Mitchell, Deputy Director of the Mount Pleasant Engineering and Environmental Division, outlined further plans to install living shorelines like oyster reefs to boost the ecosystem health. The thriving habitats that these measures will create will provide a safer environment for various species, including endangered ones like the Atlantic Sturgeon, Shortnose sturgeon, and manatee.
Future Expectations
Despite the promising advancements, the commencement dates for the project are yet to be confirmed. Officials have stated that they will be determined by the timing of the grant funding receipt but have expressed their hopes for work to begin within the year.
This initiative underlines the concerted global endeavor to preserve the environment and protect vulnerable ecosystems from the unforgiving effects of climate change. With the support of the federal grant and the diligence of the local community, the Shem Creek Restoration and Economic Vitality project signifies a positive step towards a sustainable future for Mount Pleasant and its vibrant marine life.
