Beaufort, South Carolina, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The City of Beaufort, with support from the South Carolina Office of Resilience, has commenced a major stormwater infrastructure upgrade to address ongoing flooding issues. The project, funded by $11.9 million from the ARPA Stormwater Infrastructure Program, involves the installation of larger stormwater pipes and a new tidal check valve aimed at vastly improving drainage capacity. Construction will proceed in sections over 235 days, with significant enhancements expected to downtown safety and mobility once completed.
Beaufort, South Carolina has officially begun significant stormwater improvements aimed at addressing persistent flooding issues in the area. The South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) and the City of Beaufort launched construction on the Charles/Craven Street Stormwater Improvements project this week, with an eye toward upgrading outdated infrastructure that dates back to around 1900.
The project received a substantial funding boost of $11.9 million from SCOR’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stormwater Infrastructure Program (ASIP) to cover costs related to engineering, design, permitting, and construction efforts. The enhancements are crucial for the downtown region, which functions as a historic, recreational, and economic hub for the city and beyond.
Construction will see the installation of significantly larger pipes along North, Craven, and Charles Streets, ultimately leading to the addition of a new tidal check valve at the waterfront. This upgrade is expected to dramatically reduce flooding from both rainfall and riverine sources. The improvements are also designed to enhance roadside safety and increase pedestrian mobility in the downtown area.
Construction Details
Work on the project commenced at the intersection of Bay and Charles Streets and will move towards Craven Street. Construction hours are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with cleanup efforts at the end of each workday. The construction is planned to progress in 60-foot sections, coinciding with the length of the new pipe segments. No night work is anticipated until later phases involving the Bay and Charles Streets intersection.
Timeline and Impact
The project is slated to last for 235 days, with an expected completion date before next summer. Upgrades to the drainage system will substantiality enhance its capacity, allowing it to handle four times the amount of water compared to the existing system. The city manager has emphasized the importance of keeping residents and businesses informed about potential impacts throughout the construction phase.
A project update meeting has been held for residents and stakeholders impacted by the changes. Crews from the Beaufort-Jasper Water Sewer Authority will also be present on site, with any necessary water outages communicated with at least a 24-hour notice.
Additional Efforts
In tandem with this project, there is another separate stormwater initiative underway near the waterfront, which involves the removal of a historic tree and brick pathways. Plans to replant and reconstruct these elements will follow post-construction.
Notably, the Charles Street project will now initiate from the waterfront rather than the previously designated Charles and Craven intersection. The combined budget for this stormwater project and another one within the historic district aggregates to roughly $13 million.
Officials will implement extensive signage and communication efforts throughout the construction period to effectively manage traffic and minimize business disruptions. City officials stress that both ongoing projects are essential for long-term flood protection and improved drainage capacity, particularly in light of the increased flooding events experienced in recent years.
Project Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Beaufort, South Carolina |
| Project Cost | $11.9 million |
| Type of Work | Stormwater Infrastructure Upgrade |
| Construction Period | 235 days |
| Expected Completion | Before next summer |
| Water Handling Capacity | Quadrupled capacity |
Frequently Asked Questions
What improvements are part of the Charles/Craven Street Stormwater Improvements project?
The project aims to upgrade stormwater infrastructure originally installed around 1900, which is no longer adequate for heavy rain events. It will install larger pipes along North, Craven, and Charles Streets, culminating in a new tidal check valve at the waterfront to reduce flooding from rainfall and riverine sources.
How long is the construction expected to take?
The project is expected to last for 235 days, with completion anticipated before next summer.
What are the construction hours for this project?
Work hours are set from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, with the plan to clean the site at the end of each day’s work. No night work is planned until later phases.
What funding supports the project?
Beaufort received $11.9 million from SCOR’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stormwater Infrastructure Program (ASIP) for engineering, design, permitting, and construction.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Begins Major Stormwater Management Construction
Beaufort Launches Two Major Stormwater Drainage Projects to Combat Flooding
Ridgeland Town Council Rejects Tickton Hall Annexation Request
Phil Cromer Reelected as Beaufort Mayor Amid Voter Engagement
Beaufort Deputy City Manager J.J. Sauve Resigns
Community Unites to Address Flooding Crisis on Lady’s Island
Beaufort City Council Passes $73 Million Budget
Beaufort County Moves Forward with New Lady’s Island Middle School
David Harter Honored for Environmental Advocacy in Lowcountry
Beaufort Approves $73.1 Million Budget for Community Projects
Additional Resources
- Your Island News
- WSAV
- WTOC
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Prevent Flooding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stormwater
- Google Search: Beaufort South Carolina stormwater project
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.
