Charleston, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston City Council has approved a significant investment of $2.5 million to design a seawall for the peninsula, aimed at protecting the area from rising sea levels and severe hurricanes. This design effort will be executed in collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers and is part of a larger $1.3 billion project meant to mitigate flooding risks, particularly in light of forecasts predicting a substantial rise in sea levels by 2050. Public engagement will be key in refining the design.
Charleston Approves $2.5 Million Plan for Seawall Design
The City Council of Charleston has approved nearly $2.5 million for the design and engineering of a seawall aimed at protecting the peninsula from rising sea levels and increasingly powerful hurricanes. The decision, made on September 9, 2025, allows the city to proceed with a design agreement in collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers.
The proposed seawall, known as the Battery extension, is part of a larger project estimated to cost approximately $1.3 billion, with Charleston’s share amounting to around $455 million. Federal funding from the Army Corps of Engineers will cover around $13 million of the project’s expenses.
Funding and Financial Overview
Mayor William Cogswell has pushed for financial support through a transportation sales tax, which has been utilized since 2004 to fund road and infrastructure improvements. After a referendum to extend this tax failed in 2024, the mayor indicated that these funds could potentially be redirected to address flooding mitigation strategies. In addition to the seawall project, the City Council has allocated an extra $1 million for a study assessing tidal and inland flooding risks.
The plan necessitates that a final design agreement is reached between the Army Corps and the city; failure to do so could result in the loss of $745,000 already invested in design efforts. If the design gets approval and funding is secured, construction of the seawall is projected to commence by 2035.
Rising Sea Levels and Flooding Context
Forecasts suggest that sea levels in Charleston could rise by roughly one foot by 2050, heightening the risk of flooding. Increased flooding events in the city have become evident, with a significant uptick noted in recent years. In 2024 alone, there were 54 tidal floods recorded, compared to zero in 1924.
The seawall project has been under discussion in various forms since 2018. It focuses on a comprehensive approach to flooding issues, not only related to the seawall but also integrating other existing city structures. Plans for the seawall include enhancements such as around 40 water-tight gates at road crossings and additional aquatic gates at stormwater outfalls and tidal creeks.
Design and Aesthetic Considerations
The proposed seawall is designed to incorporate a concrete barrier along the Battery and a metal barrier in marsh areas. The construction plans will also emphasize improving aesthetics and pedestrian connectivity in the city.
Despite the overall support for the project, council discussions have highlighted concerns over the inflation of costs and the timeline for the seawall’s completion. The Army Corps of Engineers noted that the seawall could play a crucial role in protecting vital infrastructure during hurricane events.
Next Steps and Public Engagement
The city plans to refine the seawall design based on public input and has called for extended public comment periods to facilitate ongoing community engagement due to the significant impact of the project.
Summary of Key Features
- Total cost of seawall project: $1.3 billion
- Charleston’s share: $455 million
- Federal funding secured: $13 million
- Initial design funding approved: $2.5 million
- Construction start date projected: 2035
- Expected sea level rise by 2050: 1 foot
FAQ
What is the seawall project in Charleston?
The seawall project is an initiative designed to protect Charleston’s peninsula from rising sea levels and hurricanes. It involves a funding of nearly $2.5 million for design and engineering.
What are the expected costs associated with the seawall project?
The total estimated cost for the seawall project is approximately $1.3 billion, with Charleston’s portion being around $455 million. The Army Corps of Engineers will contribute about $13 million in federal funding.
When is the construction for the seawall expected to begin?
If the design is approved and funding is secured, construction of the seawall is projected to begin by 2035.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Charleston Schools Prepare for Increasing Flood Risks
Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Charleston Area
Charleston Faces Critical Threats from Rising Sea Levels
Charleston to Implement Nighttime Lane Closures for Bridge Construction
Walmart and Charleston County Team Up for Hurricane Preparedness
Residents Express Concerns Over James Island Development
Charleston Proposes New Traffic Solutions for Maybank Highway
Charleston County Launches $2.7 Million Drainage Project
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston Seawall Battery Extension Payment
- Wikipedia: Seawall
- Post and Courier: Charleston Seawall Extended Battery Design
- Google Search: Charleston Seawall
- Fox Weather: Idalia Charleston Storm Surge Flood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- ABC News: Billion Dollar Seawall Around Charleston
- Google News: Seawall Design
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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