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Officials flag flooding on U.S. 17 segment as evacuation risk; consider grants and right‑of‑way for fixes
Summary
Committee members raised concerns that a low section of U.S. 17 repeatedly floods and can reduce lanes during storms, creating a potential problem for hurricane evacuations. They discussed funding options (including RAISE), right‑of‑way acquisition and the difficulty of using maintenance funds to buy land.
Members of the Caroline County transportation committee on Sept. 3 highlighted recurring flooding on a stretch of U.S. 17 that, during heavy storms, can reduce the roadway to a single lane. Committee members said that segment is part of a hurricane evacuation route and that reduced capacity during storms could undermine evacuation operations.
Discussion focused on potential remedies and the funding challenges of implementing them. Ideas included constructing larger detention facilities or dry wells, right‑of‑way acquisition to raise the roadway or create room for stormwater measures, and seeking federal competitive grants such as RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity). One committee member noted that RAISE grants are competitive and have tight application windows, but that federal funding may be the realistic option when maintenance funds cannot be used to buy right‑of‑way.
Committee members observed that neighboring property owners have not cooperated on voluntary easements in the past, which leaves eminent domain or paid acquisition as alternatives. Staff said maintenance funds cannot typically purchase right‑of‑way and that revenue‑sharing or grant programs would likely be required for a large fix. Members suggested adding the flood‑prone segment to future revenue‑sharing or SmartScale/rebuilding grant discussions.
Ending: The committee instructed staff to consider funding avenues and to explore grant opportunities and right‑of‑way strategies for a long‑term solution; no formal motion was made at the meeting.
