Folly Beach reports stormwater construction; members flag state bill that could shift road responsibility

Folly Beach reported on May 13 that it is undertaking block-by-block stormwater system construction along portions of Folly Road and that some sidewalk and water-line work is being done in phases; the town representative advised caution to residents moving through construction zones. The town also said a proposed DOT turn lane at Pease Island is on hold pending DOT interest and broader state developments.

Skip Fink, representing Folly Beach, described the on-the-ground work: "We're putting in a new stormwater system that is adjacent to Center Street, so all the sidewalks and everything and water lines are being interrupted a bit block by block." Committee members expressed concern about a state-level modernization bill that at one point included language about returning rural roads to municipalities without a funding plan. A committee member noted that the latest drafts did not identify funding to accompany such a transfer; as one participant put it, "They did not identify any funding to deal with that," reflecting concerns about unfunded mandates.

Members said they will continue to monitor the state bill and coordinate with DOT on project timing and funding implications; the committee's public portal will be used to publish updates and documentation about completed and planned work along the corridor.