Myrtle Beach Residents: Important Flood Risk Study Updates
Hey Myrtle Beach! We know how much our beautiful area has grown over the years, and with that growth comes some serious challenges, including flooding. As you might have heard, Horry County has been facing more frequent and severe flooding events lately—definitely something we’d all prefer to avoid. In response, our county has teamed up with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to tackle this issue head-on.
What’s the Plan?
This week, the county released its very first draft report on a comprehensive study designed to reduce flood risk in the Waccamaw River basin. And it’s not a small endeavor—it’s a multi-million-dollar study that’s been in the works for two years. The finished study should take about four years in total, and it’s pretty exciting for us locals since it’s the first major assessment of the Waccamaw River in nearly 50 years!
What Did They Find?
So, what’s in the report? Well, it looks at four areas in Horry County that are particularly vulnerable to flooding: Longs, Bucksport, Conway, and Socastee. Over the past 70 years, our lovely Horry County has experienced a whopping 36 flood events from 1950 to 2021, making it clear that action is overdue. Now, we definitely need your input before everything gets sent to Congress for funding, so don’t miss out on this chance to be heard!
Here’s the Lowdown
According to Bethney Ward, the project manager for the study, one major concern is how our population growth, zoning, and new development play a role in increasing flooding risks. “A lot of that new construction should conform with county and city regulations, so they shouldn’t be at flood risk if everything’s done right,” she explained. It’s crucial that all the new buildings and homes in our expanding communities take flood levels and regulations into consideration.
Proposed Solutions
The study isn’t just about calling out problems; it includes some suggestions for how we can fix things too! One idea involves building relief bridges along busy routes like Highway 501 and 905 to help with water movement. In Socastee, there are plans to remove certain barriers that are meant to help control flooding but haven’t been doing their job effectively. While it sounds great, the report suggests no action in Longs and Bucksport due to their high costs yielding little benefit.
Your Feedback Matters!
But here’s where you come in, Myrtle Beach! The proposals are still open to adjustments based on your feedback. You have until October 9 to share your thoughts, which will help shape the final draft before it gets sent off for approval and funding. Ward mentioned how important it is to have these conversations: “This will allow us to tweak those measures and come up with a solid plan to get authorized!”
Join the Conversation
If you want to be part of this dialogue, there will be three public meetings next week. It’s a great opportunity for you to learn more and express your thoughts about the future of flood management in Horry County.
Let’s work together to ensure our community stays safe and vibrant for everyone! Stay tuned for more updates, Myrtle Beach!
