The City of Charleston and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a design agreement on Friday to advance the Charleston Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Project—also called the Battery Extension Project—into its preconstruction, engineering, and design (PED) phase.​
Project Overview
This initiative, launched with a federally funded feasibility study in 2018 and completed in 2022, aims to shield the peninsula from coastal storm surge and tidal flooding while preserving the area’s historic character. It proposes extending protections from near the Ravenel Bridge past the Citadel, potentially spanning six to eight miles, and includes features like a continuous waterfront linear park for public access. The design balances engineering needs with community aesthetics, moving away from rigid concrete walls toward enhanced walkable paths.​
Funding and Timeline
The PED phase costs about $20 million, with $13 million from federal sources and $7 million locally, and is now fully funded following recent city council approvals including a $2.5 million allocation. Public input from neighborhoods, faith groups, and stakeholders will shape the design, emphasizing collaboration. Construction lacks a firm start date but is targeted to begin soon after PED concludes, with total project costs estimated near $1.3 billion and federal share around 65%.
