Grand Strand Water & Sewer News
Public Notice - FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Application
February 13, 2026
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Application
To: All interested Federal and State Agencies, Local Groups and Individuals- Public Notice
Posted February 13, 2026
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) have received an application for Federal grant funding from the Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority through the Hazard Mitigation Program (HGMP). Funding for this grant was made available after the (4858) Presidential declaration following Edisto Flooding. Funding for the proposed project will be conditional upon compliance with all applicable federal, tribal, state and local laws, regulations, flood plain standards, permit requirements and conditions.
Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Federal actions must be reviewed and evaluated for feasible alternatives and for social, economic, historic, environmental, and legal and safety considerations. Under executive order (EO) 11988 and EO 11990 FEMA is required to consider alternatives to, and to provide public notice of, any proposed actions in or affecting floodplains and wetlands. EO 12898 also requires FEMA to provide the opportunity for public participation in the planning process and to consider potential impacts to minority or low income populations.
Applicant: Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority
Project: Little River Sewer Improvement Project
Project Location: Pump Station 856, 1400 Bluegill Drive, Longs, SC 29568
Project Description: The Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority (GSWSA) proposes a mitigation project to upgrade the pumps at four major pump stations (numbers 856, 843, 867, and 866) and install minor piping modifications at the fifth downstream pump station (number 813) in Little River, South Carolina. This project aims to address the hazard of sewage overflows into the Intracoastal Waterway, located just 600 feet from pump station 803, by bypassing this station and redirecting flows directly to the Vereen Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for treatment. The primary hazard being mitigated is the risk of sewage spills during heavy rain events, which can surcharge pump station 803 and threaten environmental and public health. The targeted community includes residents, businesses, and visitors in the Little River area who rely on a safe and functional sewer system and the protection of local waterways.
Pump Station 856 is located in Flood Zone AE and work consists of upgrading pumps and the electrical control panel.
Alternatives Considered: Alternatives for this project which have been considered and rejected:
GSWSA considered several alternatives, including maintaining the current system with emergency overflow measures, constructing a new pump station near 803, or expanding storage capacity at 803 to handle surcharge events. However, maintaining the status quo does not address the root cause and risks ongoing spills. Building a new station or expanding storage would not be cost-effective and require significant land acquisition and permitting challenges. The proposed solution—upgrading existing pumps and modifying piping to bypass station 803—is the most cost-effective option as it utilizes existing infrastructure, minimizes environmental disruption, and achieves the desired outcome at a lower cost.
Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority will be responsible for facilitating and monitoring the proposed project. Interested persons may review project files, including maps, or direct any comments or questions to Nichole Boyd at 843-443-8258 or written questions to [email protected]. These are due within 15 days of this notice.
Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100 Year Floodplain
