From The Blog

KICA Completes Another Key Piece in its Flood Mitigation Puzzle

KICA has been working to optimize the island’s stormwater drainage system since 2020, when members approved a special assessment to fund six infrastructure improvement projects to reduce flooding in known susceptible locations. The goal of the effort is to more quickly and effectively displace water in a heavy rainfall or storm surge event.

Five of the six projects are complete, and the majority of the final outstanding project has also been completed. With the recent replacement of the drainage outfall at Pond 56, KICA will be able to better control pond levels and optimize water flow off the island. 

The replacement of the Pond 56 outfall, located between Sweetgrass and Marsh Edge lanes, is part of the effort to enhance drainage in the Trumpet Creeper basin. This drainage basin impacts a large section of Governors Drive; optimizing drainage off the island in this location will play a critical role in keeping Kiawah’s main thoroughfares safe and passable.

The final Flood Mitigation project (Project 6) involves a host of modifications and improvements to drainage to reduce a recurring flooding issue on Governors Drive. The remaining portions of the project are currently underway along Governors Drive and Yellowthroat Lane. The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.