Beaufort Launches Two Major Stormwater Drainage Projects to Combat Flooding

Beaufort, October 11, 2025

News Summary

The City of Beaufort is initiating two significant stormwater drainage projects aimed at reducing flooding in the historic district. Funded by federal grants, the projects involve replacing outdated drainage pipes, particularly on Charles Street and King Street. With completion targeted for May next year, these multi-million dollar initiatives reflect the city’s commitment to improving infrastructure and providing relief to local residents and businesses affected by recurrent flooding.

Beaufort Launches Two Major Stormwater Drainage Projects to Combat Flooding

The City of Beaufort is set to begin two major projects this month aimed at replacing drainage pipes to combat persistent flooding issues in the historic district. These initiatives, funded entirely by federal grant money, are designed to significantly improve the drainage system and alleviate water accumulation that affects local residents and businesses.

Flooding has been a recurrent issue for residents, especially on Charles Street and King Street, with water levels rising as much as 10 inches above street level during heavy rainfall. The City of Beaufort’s Capital Improvements Director stated that the projects will replace old pipes, some over 40 years old, with newer, larger pipes that will ultimately transport stormwater more effectively to the river.

The first project on Charles Street is scheduled to kick off on Monday, beginning with work at the Waterfront instead of the originally planned intersections. Following that, the second project on King Street will commence the following Monday, targeting the area between Hamilton Street and East Street intersections. Local drivers can expect road closures during the construction phases; however, appropriate signage will be in place to redirect traffic and ensure safe navigation. City officials have confirmed that local businesses will remain open throughout the construction period.

Both projects are significant multi-million dollar initiatives that reflect the city’s commitment to improving infrastructure and addressing the flooding concerns experienced in the area. As the work progresses, completion is projected for May of the next year, with final touch-ups scheduled for June on Charles Street and for July on King Street. The goal of these projects is to provide a lasting solution to the flooding challenges that have been a burden for homes and businesses in the vicinity.

Project Details

• Location: Charles Street and King Street
• Start Date: Charles Street project starts on Monday; King Street project starts the following Monday
• Funding: Fully funded by federal grants
• Completion Target: May of the following year, with final touch-ups in June and July

Background Context

The flooding problem has long affected the area, causing public concern among residents and business owners alike. Recent observations indicated that during severe rainfall, intersections can become dangerously flooded, prompting the need for immediate action. The city’s initiatives signify a proactive approach to enhance community safety and improve overall infrastructure.

The replacement of these drainage pipes is a strategic step in facing climatic challenges that have made flooding an ongoing risk in urban settings, particularly in historical districts like Beaufort. With these projects, the city aims to provide relief and ensure that both residents and local businesses can operate without the incessant threat of flooding.

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HERE Resources

Beaufort City Council Passes $73 Million Budget
Beaufort County Moves Forward with New Lady’s Island Middle School
Beaufort Approves $73.1 Million Budget for Community Projects

Additional Resources

• WTOC: Beaufort Officials Aim to Attack Flooding
• Wikipedia: Flood
• WITN: Major Town Improvement Project Beaufort
• Google Search: Beaufort flooding issues
• Island Packet: Beaufort News
• Google Scholar: Beaufort stormwater drainage
• Washington Daily News: Temporary Closure Upcoming for Beaufort County Highway
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Stormwater drainage
• Your Island News: Point Drainage Project Meeting Opposition
• Google News: Beaufort drainage projects

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.