City Council Chooses Revised Plan for The Point Drainage Project

In a critical work session on July 9, the Beaufort City Council made a decisive move to address the controversy surrounding stormwater drainage in The Point neighborhood. After considering three options presented by Assistant City Manager J.J. Sauvé, the Council opted for a slightly modified version of Option 2, which involves significant changes to the pump, generator, and outfall system originally proposed by Davis and Floyd Engineering at the June 25 City Council work session. 

The King Street Stormwater Project aims to mitigate flooding in the historic neighborhood. Funded by state and federal grants, the project faced considerable public opposition, prompting the Council to seek a balance between technical requirements and community concerns.

After considerable discussion and public comment at the July 9 City Council worksession, all City Council members agreed that Option 2 was the best way forward.  Option 2 asks Davis and Floyd, the engineering firm leading the studies and planning for the project, to go back to the drawing board and consider other options to address the drainage concerns on The Point. Each of the council members agreed that repairing and clearing the existing drainage system, as many residents have suggested, is the next necessary step.  Assistant City Manager Sauvé summarized the council’s directives, “Designing a system to an acceptable standard that is as close to the existing footprint that’s there; and that takes into consideration the potential to add a pump station if it were deemed necessary down the road; and to stand up a citizen’s advisory group to assist in that process.”

Background and Options

The initial proposal, referred to as Option 1, included a comprehensive system featuring underground conveyance, a pumping station, and a control housing. This design promised the greatest long-term protection and resilience against flooding but was met with strong community resistance due to its aesthetic impact, significant construction disruption, and high costs.

Option 2, the chosen path with some adjustments, involves a change order in the engineering process. This approach eliminates the need for the controversial pumping station and above-ground structures, relying instead on enhancing the existing collection and conveyance system. This alternative, while potentially extending the project timeline beyond the grant funding period, addresses many of the public’s concerns and could be significantly less expensive.

Option 3 would have tabled the project all together.  This option would have ended the project and any associated contracts or discussion.  In considering this option, Sauvé’s counsel that this option would mean the “City has nothing to show for already expended funds” was taken seriously and Option 3 was quickly dismissed.

Public Input and Council’s Decision

The public input process, initiated in February 2024, revealed widespread discontent with the original designs. Residents voiced concerns about the unsightly structures, the need for improved pipe cleaning and replacement, and even questioned the necessity of the stormwater work. These sentiments led the Council to favor Option 2, albeit with specific modifications to accommodate as many community suggestions as possible and to continue getting the community’s input through an advisory group.

Councilman Josh Scallate highlighted the potential incorporation of green infrastructure, a feature that aligns with the community’s desire for environmentally friendly solutions. This could include bio-swales, permeable pavements, and rain gardens, which not only manage stormwater but also enhance the neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal.

Moving Forward

By choosing a revised version of Option 2, the City Council aims to proceed with a plan that better aligns with public sentiment while still addressing the need for improved drainage. The revised plan will still require approval from the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP) to ensure continued grant funding. The Council’s decision will extend the project timeline to achieve a more community-friendly solution.

Residents of The Point can expect further updates as the new direction for the project progresses. The residents advisory group requested by the council will provide opportunities for public input and oversight of the process. 

For more information about the drainage project in The Point, read our previous articles: Residents Question City of Beaufort’s Drainage Plan for The Point Neighborhood; Beaufort Resident Puts Money Where His Mouth Is: Wants to Fund Alternative Study for Downtown Drainage Project