Charleston · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Charleston public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Country Club II/Harbor View Road stormwater outfall improvements
A $100,000 state grant would help fund stormwater outfall work aimed at reducing flooding near Country Club II and Harbor View Road — with no local match required.
Brockman Drive drainage improvements
Another $100,000 state grant, this time from SC DES, would fund drainage improvements on Brockman Drive to help reduce flooding in that neighborhood.
Dominion Energy franchise agreement and undergrounding power lines
Council gave final approval to the 20-year Dominion franchise deal after months of public pushback over tree butchering and undergrounding. Residents were told a follow-up city ordinance will set priorities and funding for burying power lines, and Council pledged Johns Island won't be treated differently.
2026 Stormwater Capital Projects and Basin Improvements
A $4.5 million construction contract will install new storm drains and culverts to reduce tidal flooding in the Central Park Road basin on James Island, helped by a $1.5 million state grant.
Lockwood Drive pump station flood protection
The city extended a $420,000 maintenance contract to keep the Lockwood Drive pump station running — key infrastructure that protects downtown peninsula from flooding.
William Dudley Gregorie Pump Station Maintenance Extension
The city extended its maintenance contract for the major stormwater pump station to ensure continuous operational reliability.
Lake Dotterer and Longbranch Creek Drainage Grant Extension
The committee extended a grant deadline and approved buying backflow valves early to ensure federal ARPA funds aren't lost.
Maritime Center Transient Boater Rate Increase
The city is raising transient boater rates at the Maritime Center from $2.00 to $2.75 per foot to match nearby marinas while preparing for grant-funded dock replacements.
Groundwater Monitoring and Data Dashboard
The city is partnering with the College of Charleston to track water table levels across 14 monitoring wells, helping officials understand how rainfall and groundwater movement impact flooding and underground infrastructure.
Windermere Drainage Improvements and Capital Infrastructure
Council approved major stormwater and infrastructure contracts, including a $10.25 million construction contract for the Windermere Drainage project to alleviate flooding.
MUSC Pump Station Upfit Project
The city and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are partnering on an $11.78 million upfit of the MUSC pump station to improve stormwater drainage around Courtney Drive and the Expressway.
James Island Creek Water Quality Monitoring
The city is partnering with James Island and Charleston County to monitor fecal contamination in James Island Creek, sharing 58% of the monitoring costs up to $40,000.