HORRY COUNTY, S.C. -- Senior leadership from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), visit Horry County on May 15 to review key areas of the ongoing Waccamaw River Flood Risk Management Study as it nears completion. Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations, and Lt. Col. Todd Mainwaring, Charleston District commander, met with Horry County officials, who are the non-federal cost-share partners, to review areas where infrastructure currently restricts natural water flow—one of the primary drivers of flooding impacts the study identifies.
The visit comes as the flood risk management feasibility study moves into its final phase. Authorized under federal law and supported by a $3.9 million cost-shared partnership between USACE and Horry County, staff expect the study to culminate in a Chief’s Report in summer 2026—marking a key milestone toward potential federal authorization of recommended projects.
“This study is a strong example of how collaboration and data-driven analysis can lead to meaningful flood risk reduction,” said Mainwaring. “By focusing on targeted improvements that restore natural water flow, we’re identifying solutions that can make a real difference for residents, infrastructure, and emergency access throughout Horry County.”
The recommended plan focuses on improving hydraulic conveyance, allowing flood waters to move more efficiently through the floodplain and reduce upstream flood levels. The study’s recommendations are designed to reduce risks to human life and safety during flood events, minimize damage to homes, infrastructure and key transportation corridors, and improve emergency access, evacuation routes and supply chain reliability.
“Flooding has had a lasting impact on our communities, and this study represents an important step toward reducing that risk,” said Horry County Council Chairman Johnny Gardner. “We appreciate the continued partnership with USACE and the attention from senior leadership. These efforts are helping us move closer to solutions that protect our residents, support our economy, and strengthen our resilience for the future.”
As part of the study, staff identified two key projects, one in Conway and one on Socastee.
Collectively, officials expect these improvements to strengthen community resilience and reduce long-term economic losses associated with repeated flooding.
While the recommended plan provides meaningful flood risk reduction, officials note that no single solution can eliminate all flooding risk due to the watershed’s natural characteristics. Instead, the study represents an important step in a broader, longer-term strategy that will require continued county investment and additional localized projects.
If Congress authorizes the project and appropriates funds, the project could move into the design phase as early as 2028, with staff estimating construction beginning between 2030 and 2034.
The recent visit by USACE leadership underscores the federal government’s continued commitment to working alongside Horry County to advance practical solutions that reduce flood risk and protect communities across the Waccamaw River Basin.
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