The message from last week was unmistakable: water is Folly’s greatest challenge. As your mayor, I’ll meet that challenge head-on, with practical solutions, strong partnerships, and a commitment to keeping every resident informed and involved. Together, we can build a resilient Folly that stands strong for decades to come.
Folly 2050 Plan
As flooding becomes more frequent and water levels continue to rise, the City of Folly Beach has taken important steps to plan ahead, not just for today, but for the decades to come. The Folly 2050 Plan is a forward-looking roadmap that builds on the city’s 2017 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan. Grounded in the latest science, local water data, and extensive community input, this plan outlines practical, measurable actions to protect our homes, roads, and natural environment.
Most importantly, this plan lays the foundation we need to pursue major infrastructure investments, from causeway protection to drainage upgrades and septic improvements. By clearly identifying risks and priorities, Folly 2050 positions us to compete for state and federal funding and build the partnerships needed to make real progress. It’s a starting point, not a final step, in tackling the challenges ahead.
Below is a quick overview of why this plan matters and how it helps us move forward with the resilience projects Folly Beach needs.
The City of Folly Beach created the Folly 2050 Plan to prepare for rising water levels, more frequent flooding, and the long-term effects of sea level rise.
The causeway (Folly Road over the marsh) already floods during King Tides and heavy rains. In 2022 alone, flood levels triggered sensors on the Folly River bridge three times in just 90 days. By 2050, those same water levels are projected to be exceeded over 120 times a year, making near-weekly flooding the new norm. – Let’s Talk About the Causeway
Why This Matters
- • Sea levels are projected to rise 1 foot by 2050, and today’s flooding will happen 10 times more often.
- • Many roads, homes, and septic systems are already flooding during high tides and heavy rains.
- • Without action, flooding will worsen, threatening public safety, home access, and local businesses.
The Folly 2050 Plan shows our septic systems are becoming increasingly vulnerable as flooding and groundwater rise. By 2050, nearly 1 in 5 systems could fail during King Tide events, threatening our marshes, waterways, and storm drains. – Let’s Talk About Septic Tanks
Key Goals of the Plan
- • Raise and protect roads like the causeway and other low-lying areas.
- • Improve drainage to reduce flooding during storms and high tides.
- • Update zoning and building codes to ensure smarter, more resilient development.
- • Restore and protect marshes using natural solutions like living shorelines.
- • Evaluate and improve septic systems to protect water quality.
- • Engage and educate residents about what they can do to help.
My Commitment to Folly’s Future
I fully support the Folly 2050 Plan and will work to ensure its recommendations are implemented effectively. I believe in proactive, data-driven solutions that protect both our environment and our quality of life. That means seeking outside funding, holding partner agencies accountable, and making smart infrastructure investments that keep Folly Beach resilient, livable, and safe for generations to come.
Folly’s challenges are real, but they are not insurmountable. With the right leadership, we can meet them head-on and protect what makes this island so special.
