News Summary
West Columbia is set to start repairs on the Riverwalk following severe damage from Hurricane Helene. With a budget of $200,000 approved, the city council aims to restore the waterfront area known for its scenic views and recreational facilities. The Riverwalk has been closed since the storm due to safety hazards, with a target to complete repairs within 120 days. City officials are working with FEMA for funding and hope to expedite the process.
West Columbia is set to begin repairs on the West Columbia Riverwalk following severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, which struck the Midlands nine months ago. The city council has approved approximately $200,000 in funding to hire a contractor for the much-needed repairs on the one-mile stretch of Riverwalk known for its scenic views and recreational facilities.
The Riverwalk has been closed to the public since the storm due to significant damage that poses safety hazards. Damage includes:
- Undermining and weakening of boardwalks
- Damaged concrete surfaces creating tripping hazards
- A substantial hole formed by a concrete collapse, resembling a sinkhole
To facilitate the repairs, access points to the Riverwalk, including the amphitheater, will be closed temporarily. These closures are necessary to allow for material delivery and construction work to take place safely. Although a firm completion date for the project is yet to be established, city officials are optimistic about a quick turnaround, potentially completing the repairs within 120 days. The contractor selected for the job is clear about the importance of this project, and discussions regarding an aggressive timeline for the repairs are underway.
This repair initiative comes in the wake of substantial damage inflicted on the Midlands by Hurricane Helene, which originated as Tropical Cyclone Nine. The storm escalated into a Category 4 hurricane, wreaking havoc across South Carolina and neighboring states. The flooding and destruction it caused resulted in a tragic loss of life, with over 183 confirmed fatalities reported in impacted areas.
As part of the recovery strategy, the city is working closely with FEMA to ensure compliance with federal funding guidelines. Site assessments and planning meetings have been carried out as part of the recovery efforts, illustrating the city’s commitment to restoring public spaces efficiently. To further alleviate financial pressures on taxpayers, the city plans to seek full reimbursement from FEMA for the project. The contractor selection deadline is set for the next city council meeting on May 6, with anticipation that this will expedite the repair process.
In contrast to West Columbia’s approach, the nearby city of Cayce managed to expedite repairs on portions of its riverwalk by initially fronting the repair costs and subsequently requesting reimbursement from FEMA. This faster response has allowed Cayce to mitigate damage more effectively, highlighting the differences in response strategies between the two cities. While West Columbia’s methodical coordination with FEMA has delayed the start of repairs by several months, the city remains focused on returning the Riverwalk to its former condition as quickly as possible.
As the city prepares for the upcoming repairs, residents and visitors are hopeful that the West Columbia Riverwalk will soon be safe for public access again. Ensuring the safety and enjoyment of this recreational area is a priority for city officials as they move forward in the recovery process.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Repairs Coming to West Columbia Riverwalk
- WLTX Video: Riverwalk Repairs after Hurricane Helene
- SC Daily Gazette: Death Toll Climbs from Tropical Storm Helene
- WIS TV: Reviewing Hurricane Helene’s Path
- The State: Hurricane Helene and Its Aftermath
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
