Hanahan, South Carolina – The South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) and City of Hanahan are proud to begin construction on a stormwater infrastructure project to reduce flood risks along Yeamans Hall Road. Following a Notice to Proceed issued on June 5th, 2025, construction crews began an 8-10 month construction period on July 7th, 2025.

Upon applying for funding from the SCOR’s American Rescue Plan Act Stormwater Infrastructure Program (ASIP), the City identified establishments along Yeamans Hall Road, including a preschool, primary care physician, and the City’s municipal complex, that experience routine flooding during heavy rainfall events. Since the City’s police department and one of three fire stations are housed in the municipal complex, mitigating flood risks for this area is a priority.

“Infrastructure is a core function of government. By addressing longstanding drainage issues, this investment will help protect homes and businesses, improve public safety, and promote continued growth in Hanahan,” states Representative Mark Smith, SC House District 99. “We must continue to protect both our quality of life and quality of place. I believe we have something very special all around the Lowcountry that is worth fighting for and protecting for generations behind us to enjoy.”

This project is a continuation of the FEMA-funded City of Hanahan Downtown Revitalization. Focusing on improving the downtown area with curbs, gutters, enhanced lighting, and drainage improvements, the 2017 initiative was unable to install all planned upgrades with its initial funding. Through $2.4 million award from SCOR, the City is now improving and enhancing approximately 775 linear feet of existing roadway, upsizing existing storm drains, and installing new curbs and gutters.

“Hanahan’s downtown is coming to life. As a city, we are continually seeking new opportunities to support the growth and revitalization of our downtown area,” says Mayor Christie Rainwater. “To ensure we achieve the best possible outcomes, it’s essential that organizations work together collaboratively. We are especially grateful to the South Carolina Office of Resilience for partnering with the City of Hanahan on a vital infrastructure project. Completing the stormwater system will not only reduce the risk and impact of future flood events—it will also enhance the safety, appearance, and overall atmosphere of our downtown for generations to come.”

In addition to reduced flood risks in the area, this project will minimize disruptions to emergency services dispatching from the municipal center and transit routes operated by the Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA) and TriCounty Link. Furthermore, new green infrastructure such as pockets of urban vegetation will be installed to enhance the area’s ability to retain stormwater off the roads, and to improve water quality. 

“When considering applications for infrastructure project funding, our agency examines a variety of ways that a community will be impacted,” explains Ben Duncan, South Carolina Chief Resilience Officer. “Projects like this one are great examples of improving an area’s resilience because, in addition to reducing flood risks, critical services such as fire and transportation are less likely to be obstructed during storm events.”

Construction will primarily take place on Yeamans Hall Road from Sellers Road to Sledge Street. Upon completion, the South Carolina Department of Transportation will maintain additional drainage improvements and the City of Hanahan will maintain all other aspects of the downtown improvements.

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About SCOR: The South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) is committed to enhancing the state's ability to anticipate, absorb, recover, and thrive when presented with environmental changes and natural hazards by planning and coordinating statewide resilience, long-term disaster recovery, and hazard mitigation. In addition to serving 3,459 homes in our Disaster Recovery Program, SCOR has 81 active flood mitigation projects, including voluntary buyouts, stormwater infrastructure, and plans and studies, across the State. SCOR continues to implement and maintain the Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan, which provides a framework to guide investment in projects, programs, and policies to protect the people and property of South Carolina from the damage and destruction of extreme weather events.