The Rising Waters Forum: High Tide in the Holy City

The City of Charleston held a public forum on July 29, 2026, focused on resilience and flood mitigation efforts in response to rising waters and climate change impacts. Key procurement-related discussions centered on the Battery Extension project, a major infrastructure initiative designed to protect Charleston's peninsula from tidal flooding and storm surge. The project is being developed in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with a phased construction approach to accommodate funding constraints. The city anticipates awarding a construction contract for the first phase within a year, with funding support expected from a proposed transportation sales tax referendum covering approximately $225 million of the city's share. The Army Corps detailed the cost-sharing arrangement, noting the city will assume long-term operation and maintenance costs post-construction. Additional projects discussed included the MUSC pump station upgrade to improve stormwater capacity and the rehabilitation of historic sewer systems, both aimed at complementing the Battery Extension. The forum also addressed concerns about environmental impacts, historic preservation, and the integration of nature-based solutions. Speakers emphasized the importance of strong federal-local partnerships, financial competitiveness, and community engagement to secure funding and successfully implement these multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects.