Charleston, September 14, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston City Council has allocated $2.5 million for a design agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to enhance flood resilience through the Battery Extension Project. An additional $1 million is designated for a city-wide flood study. The project aims to improve flood defenses and public access along the waterfront. City officials estimate a total project cost around $1.3 billion, with federal funding expected to cover 65% of costs. The project is a strategic response to the city’s growing flood challenges.
Charleston – The Charleston City Council has approved a significant step towards improving flood resilience in the city by allocating $2.5 million to engage in a design agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Battery Extension Project. This move aims to extend the current Battery promenade and enhance flood defenses along the Charleston peninsula.
In addition to the funds for the design agreement, the council has earmarked $1 million for a city-wide study aimed at reducing flooding. This study will also be conducted in collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers. The decision came after a fruitful meeting on September 5 with Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly from the Corps, indicating a robust partnership aimed at tackling the city’s flood challenges.
A ceremonial signing for the design agreement is scheduled for October 3. This project not only intends to fortify the area against storm surges but also aims to enhance public access and recreational spaces along the waterfront.
The federal government is expected to cover 65% of the total project cost, projected to be around $1.3 billion. However, the city of Charleston’s annual budget, which stands at $350 million, suggests limited funding options for such large-scale projects. City officials estimate that addressing all flooding and drainage needs throughout Charleston may total as much as $4 billion.
The city aims to raise approximately $455 million as its share of the Battery Extension costs. A transportation sales tax referendum proposed for 2026 might provide funding, although there are concerns regarding whether the project will primarily serve drainage purposes and thus its eligibility for this funding.
City Council member Mike Seekings has highlighted the project’s potential as a significant breakthrough, emphasizing that it represents the most productive discussions with the Army Corps in the last six years. The Corps’ feasibility study, which took about four years to complete and was federally funded, has set the stage for this advancement.
Currently, the city has $13 million in federal funds allocated specifically for the Battery Extension project. The design phase is projected to take between 18 months to two years, with construction anticipated to begin in the upcoming two years. The Battery Extension aims to stretch between six to eight miles along the peninsula, enhancing the city’s defenses against rising tides and storm impacts, which residents are increasingly concerned about.
Resilience Director Kaylan Kozela has underscored the necessity for innovative flood protection strategies that also improve public spaces. The Charleston Public Works Committee plans to deliberate on the Battery Extension Project along with other flood resilience measures, addressing an urgent need for swift action as expressed by the community.
Summary of Funding and Costs
| Funding Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| City Council Approval | $2.5 million |
| City-Wide Flood Study | $1 million |
| Federal Contribution | 65% of $1.3 billion |
| City’s Share of Project | $455 million |
| Estimated Total Cost for Flood Needs | $4 billion |
FAQ
What is the Battery Extension Project?
The Battery Extension Project aims to extend the current Battery promenade along the Charleston peninsula to enhance flood resilience and public access.
How much funding has been allocated for the Battery Extension Project?
The Charleston City Council has approved $2.5 million for the design agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with an additional $1 million for a city-wide flood study.
How will the project be funded?
The federal government will cover 65% of the project costs, with the city aiming to raise approximately $455 million for its share through a proposed transportation sales tax referendum in 2026.
What is the timeline for the project?
The design process for the Battery Extension Project is expected to take between 18 months to two years, with construction likely beginning in the next two years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston City Council Approves $2.5 Million Seawall Design
Charleston, SC Faces Coastal Flooding Due to King Tides
North Charleston Secures Class 5 FEMA Rating for Flood Insurance
Flash Flood Warning Issued for Charleston Metro Area
Hawaii Braces for Hurricane Kiko: State of Emergency Declared
Charleston Airport Sees Record-Breaking Traveler Surge
Potential Tropical Storm Gabrielle Develops in the Atlantic
North Charleston Tackles Housing Crisis with Land Donation Initiative
Traffic Disruptions Expected on Daniel Island
Dauphin Island Faces Existential Crisis After Katrina
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston Sales Tax Battery Extension Murky
- News 2: City of Charleston Approves Funding for Battery Extension Project
- Live 5 News: Battery Extension Project May Soon Enter Design Phase
- ABC News 4: Battery Extension Project Moves Forward
- Live 5 News: Charleston Officials Working to Expand Battery
- Wikipedia: Flood Control
- Google Search: Charleston Battery Extension Project
- Google Scholar: Charleston Flood Resilience
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood Management
- Google News: Charleston Flooding
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
