Flood prevention projects in Horry, Georgetown boosted by Biden infrastructure plan
Two flood-prone areas of the Grand Strand will receive millions in federal funding under President Joe Biden’s federal infrastructure plan.
The plan funneled nearly $1 billion into the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, which is using the money to bolster dams and levees and prevent flooding.
The USDA announced its first round of projects Monday — $166.5 million across 23 states.
Among those projects are flood prevention studies of Sandy Island in Georgetown County and the Buck Creek Watershed in Horry County.
Both areas are prone to flooding, and have been under water in recent years.
The money will fund feasibility studies of both areas to determine if the USDA can move forward with projects to prevent flooding. The agency will produce flood prevention plans for each area.
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers previously announced $18 million for dredging and fortification projects along the Intracoastal Waterway. Those projects are also funded by the Biden plan.
Buck Creek, which runs through the Longs area of Horry County near the state line, flooded badly during Hurricane Florence in 2018. S.C. 9 runs alongside the creek, and developers have been rapidly building new homes in the area.
“Changes within the primarily agricultural watershed are a concern regarding recent flood events,” NRCS said in a news release announcing the two projects. “A watershed plan will provide guidance for reducing flood damages.”
Sandy Island, between the Waccamaw and Great Pee Dee rivers, also flooded badly in 2018. Members of the Gullah Geeche call the island home.
“Recent flooding has threatened infrastructure, notably homes, businesses, and transportation routes,” the NRCS said in the news release. “The project looks to reduce flood damages throughout the island.”
Michael Mascari, an NRCS spokesperson, said the agency would spend $2.6 million on the two projects. He couldn’t immediately provide information about when the agency would complete the studies.
The USDA will also fund future projects.
After March 31, the NRCS will compile a second list of projects.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information from Mascari.
This story was originally published March 7, 2022 at 10:28 AM with the headline "Flood prevention projects in Horry, Georgetown boosted by Biden infrastructure plan."
