Living Within a Walled City?

The City of Charleston and the surrounding peninsula could become one of America’s first walled City. The Army Corps of Engineers has finished an 18-month study to keep out future hurricane surge flooding.

After studying seven different options, the Corps’ preferred plan of the Coastal Flood Risk Management Study is to build approximately 8 miles of wall that would encircle much of the peninsula. The plan is expected to cost $1.75 billion and is hoped to stop flooding Charleston’s most flood-prone areas.

The wall would be one phase of the three-part plan that also would include a wave attenuation system (part 2) and also elevating homes (part 3) in prominent flooding areas. A wave attenuation system is similar to lane dividers in a competition swimming pool. They consist of a series of partially water-filled tubes with baffles that move back and forth as a wave strikes them, helping to lower the wave’s height and energy.

Part 3, elevating homes is just what it sounds like. The two more common methods are lifting the house and extending the foundation, or building a new upper story so that the living space is further above the ground.

All in all it’s an aggressive plan that the City of Charleston hopes the federal government will pay approximately 65% of the cost. The Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public feedback about the project by going here.

If your home is ever damaged by water, whether by flooding or a pipe break, Water Mold Fire Restoration of Charleston, (843) 654-0070, stands ready to help. With years of experience and nationally certified water damage technicians, we can respond to any water emergency in one hour or less. Contact us 24/7 when you need help with water damage in your home.