How will Lexington County prepare for future flooding disasters?

It’s an important question, given the catastrophic damage suffered throughout the county during the “thousand year flood” of 2015. At that time, county officials estimated it would take at least $7 million to fix roads severely damaged by the rains and dam breaks.

Lexington County’s Land Development Division now has a comprehensive plan to deal with such problems in the future. The recently released 2023 Floodplain Management Plan outlines a wide assortment of efforts to deal with potential flooding hazards throughout the county.

“Lexington County is one of the fastest growing counties in South Carolina and we continue our efforts to protect our county from all potential disasters,” Lexington County Council Chair Beth Carrigg is quoted in a release about the plan. “The 2015 floods and the catastrophic damage they left behind is a constant reminder that we are not immune from natural disasters in Lexington County. Partnering with all stakeholders, investing in state-of-the-art equipment, rapid response times, and a fully educated community is the best defense against the unexpected.”

“I feel confident we have performed our due diligence and are prepared to answer the call if necessary,” Carrigg is additionally quoted.

The Management Plan Progress Report lists 19 action items identified by county officials as important steps in the future that could save lives and protect property.

The Chronicle reviewed the actions on the report and asked county officials to provide details on specific locations and costs of the various projects.

The report states that the county approved funds for the replacement of three structurally deficient bridges. One of the bridges has been completed and two are scheduled for bid later this year.

In response to a request for locations, county officials said The Cedar Brook Court Bridge has been replaced. Two bridges on Archers Lane are currently in the design phase.

Asked for locations of “five roadways that need improvements because of constant impact from flooding” county officials identified the following: Bagpipe Road, Culler Road, Charles Town Road, Volliedale Road and Gary Hallman Circle.

The plan identified Whitehall and Lloydwood subdivisions as having flood issues. Flooding problems were also associated with areas around Rawls Creek, Six Mile Creek and Kinley Creek.

Lexington County acquired six FEMA-identified repetitive loss properties through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program. County officials told the Chronicle that the cost of the acquisition totaled $1.6 million. The properties were residential.

Asked to identify the main task the county has undertaken to address the flooding problem, county officials said there is no “main” task, but rather a combination of actions that will reduce the occurrences of flooding.

“Planning is one of the best ways to develop a customized program that will mitigate the impacts of flood hazards while taking into account the unique character of a community,” county officials said in a response to questions from the Chronicle.

So what’s most important for Lexington County citizens to know about staying safe from flooding?

This is the advice county officials shared:

1. Know the flood hazard for your area. Regulated floodplains are illustrated on maps called Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
2. Insure your property. Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.
3. Build responsibly. A floodplain and building permit are issued by the floodplain manager and building department to build a structure or otherwise develop a property located wthin a 100-year floodplain.
4. Protect natural floodplain functions. Floodplains are a natural component of Lexington County’s environment. Understanding and protecting the natural functions of the floodplains helps reduce flood damage and protects resources.