Beaufort, SC (January 22, 2025) — The City of Beaufort would like to take this opportunity to clarify its role in the Charles/Craven Drainage Project and the King Street Drainage Project, and to remind both residents and members of the media that the City of Beaufort is not the Project Manager on either project.

Both projects are being administered by the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR). The City of Beaufort is serving in a liaison and communication role, working to share information with the public as it is provided to us.

The City is extremely grateful to SCOR for securing millions of dollars in funding for these critical drainage improvements. This funding allows these much-needed infrastructure projects to move forward without placing the financial burden on Beaufort taxpayers.

As with any large-scale construction project, particularly in a historic city with aging infrastructure, changes during construction are inevitable. While all parties involved strive to follow a clear plan and timeline, the realities of underground work, site conditions, and safety requirements can require adjustments along the way. This is not uncommon in projects of this scope and complexity.

While the City is not making project decisions, City staff meets weekly with the construction crew and project team overseeing the work. These meetings allow City staff to stay informed of upcoming changes and coordinate communication efforts. Updates are shared with the public as soon as the City is made aware of them.

It is important to note that decisions regarding construction methods, timelines, and intersection or road closures are made by SCOR and its project team, not by the City of Beaufort. The City does not determine when intersections are closed or when construction plans are modified. Our role is to relay information as quickly and accurately as possible once it is shared with us.

To help alleviate parking challenges during construction, marina parking is currently free until further notice. This measure is intended to provide additional parking options for residents, visitors, and businesses impacted by the ongoing projects.

We understand that construction impacts daily life for residents and businesses, and we recognize the frustration that unexpected changes can cause. The City remains committed to maintaining open communication with SCOR while ensuring the public receives timely updates as they become available.

We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as these vital projects move forward, and we remain thankful for the partnership with the South Carolina Office of Resilience in delivering long-term drainage solutions for Beaufort.

For updates on these projects, residents are encouraged to follow official City of Beaufort communication channels.