When king tides surged through Pawleys Island this week, town leaders rolled up their sleeves and waded into the water to locate the source of the problem. Council members Paul Groce and Mark Hawn personally inspected the storm‑water system along Myrtle Avenue, discovering a solid block of packaged concrete lodged in a drain and a pipe outlet buried under five feet of mud.
Federal and state funding fuels immediate action
The town has secured a $1.5 million federal grant, an earmarked state budget line and anticipated capital‑project sales‑tax revenue to fund a series of drainage improvements. Those resources are being directed toward clearing blocked drains, installing additional backflow preventers and advancing the town’s long‑term drainage master plan.
Immediate repairs and safety concerns
Town Administrator Dan Newquist warned that the current tide levels are “definitely stressing our system.” Residents like Matt Ellis reported that a shared driveway on Myrtle Avenue has been underwater for weeks, even during a recent drought, and a car that entered the flooded area was totaled. Council Member Mark Hawn observed a golf cart attempting to speed through the water, noting the safety hazard it posed to drivers and pedestrians.
In response, the council proposed pumping water from the roadway. The state Department of Transportation (DOT) cautioned that it could be held liable for any injuries or damage resulting from that action. Nevertheless, the warning prompted DOT crews to clear several drains, an effort described by Groce as producing a loud “whosh” as water was released.
Collaboration with state agencies
DOT officials acknowledged that their local office is “incredibly under‑resourced,” leading the town to loan a vacuum truck from neighboring Goose Creek. The partnership helped clear the immediate blockage and highlighted the importance of cooperation between municipal and state entities.
Newquist noted that backflow preventers installed at two outfalls into Pawleys Creek several years ago are functioning as intended, providing a critical line of defense against future flooding.
Long‑term planning for sea‑level rise
The drainage master plan, adopted earlier this year, includes a 15‑year program to gradually elevate the island’s roads to keep pace with rising sea levels. While additional grants are in the pipeline, officials emphasized the role of private investment. “A little investment on the private side really pushed DOT to help us,” Newquist said, underscoring the collaborative effort needed to protect the community.
Council members continue to urge property owners not to tamper with the drainage system. Groce speculated that the concrete block may have been a do‑it‑yourself backflow preventer placed by a resident, a practice the town is working to discourage.
Looking ahead
With federal, state and local resources aligned, Pawleys Island is taking a hands‑on approach to mitigate flooding, improve public safety and safeguard the island’s infrastructure for future generations.
Original reporting: Coastal Observer (Georgetown County) — read the source article.
