COLUMBIA, SC (WBTW) – Some state lawmakers will try next year to see if a flood diversion canal off the Waccamaw River is feasible.
The idea of a dry canal has been discussed for decades, but it recently regained attention after Hurricane Florence brought feet of floodwater to Conway and several communities throughout Horry County. A bill pre-filed in the state house of representatives last week would ask South Carolina’s congressional delegation to push for an update to the study for the flood diversion canal.
The canal would start off the Waccamaw River north of Conway, either in Brunswick County, North Carolina, or near Longs and drain floodwater into Little River Inlet. The estimated $118 million canal most recently stalled in 2009 due to environmental concerns.
Horry County Council formally asked the state’s congressional delegation to push for an updated study back in October. Council chair Mark Lazarus said the canal was discussed during the first meeting of the South Carolina Floodwater Commission last week.
The state house bill is sponsored by three Horry County Republicans: Rep. Kevin Hardee of Loris, Rep. Jeff Johnson of Conway, and Rep. Heather Ammons Crawford of Socastee.