Beaufort Residents Demand Infrastructure Reform Following Storm Devastation

Beaufort Residents Call for Change after Recent Storms

In Beaufort, the aftereffects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton have left many residents reflecting on their community’s infrastructure. As the city grapples with power outages and the ongoing cleanup, a familiar question is resurfacing: Should we consider placing power lines underground?

A Senator’s Suggestion

During a recent visit to the Aiken area, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham shared his thoughts on the matter. He urged that the community should contemplate the idea of burying electric cables as part of future storm preparedness. It’s a thought echoed by environmental enthusiasts who have voiced concerns every time power companies carry out tree-trimming operations in residential neighborhoods. Nobody enjoys seeing their beloved trees cut down, and with over one million South Carolinians still in the dark following the storms, Graham’s comments carry weight.

Infrastructure Strategies on the Table

Graham wasn’t alone in expressing the need for change. Local politicians, interviewed following his comments, agree that as we rebuild the electrical systems damaged by Helene and Milton, it’s crucial to do it right this time. One Spartanburg County Council member passionately stated, “If we can put men and women on the moon and look at going to Mars, we can bury electric cables underground, economically. In 2024, we’re better than this.”

The Financial Challenge

However, it’s important to note that the cost of burying power lines is a significant hurdle. Reports estimate the expense at around three times more than overhead lines. Still, John Smith, a local resident, expressed his optimism saying, “Perhaps, with proper funding from local, state, and federal resources as Graham suggested, we could get this project up and running!”

Steps Already Being Taken

Some towns have already begun transitioning to underground power lines. For instance, Rock Hill started working on this initiative more than a decade ago after suffering from a debilitating ice storm. Moreover, in Beaufort City, officials have mandated new residential developments to place utility lines underground, showing a proactive approach to infrastructure. Notably, they collaborated with Dominion during the 2018 redevelopment of Boundary Street to bury power lines there.

But is it Enough?

While placing power lines underground might mitigate storm-related power outages, it doesn’t entirely guarantee that residents will remain unaffected. As Graham pointed out, “The time is now,” emphasizing the urgency for communities to seek improvements in electrical systems, especially with climate change leading to more unpredictable weather patterns.

The Blame Game in Local Politics

As the commotion surrounding the storms settles, local politics is heating up with a bit of controversy. The “blame game” which typically overshadows major events like these, has made its way into the Beaufort mayoral election. Former Mayor Stephen Murray recently criticized current Mayor Phil Cromer for not doing enough during the community’s challenges following the storms.

Local Voices Matter

During a City Council workshop last week, Murray spoke about his experience delivering over 100 pallets of supplies to areas affected by the storms. However, he followed that up by calling out Cromer for complacency and failing to protect the community adequately. Cromer, in turn, refuted these claims, but it’s clear that this ongoing “blame game” has penetrated local politics, drawing attention away from the pressing needs of the community.

A Community in Need

Ultimately, as Beaufort residents face the aftermath of Helene and Milton, they’re also engaging in discussions about how to better prepare for future disasters. Whether it’s through underground power lines or more robust support systems, the focus remains on rebuilding a resilient community.

As we delve deeper into the needs and challenges facing Beaufort, it’s essential to keep the lines of communication open and work together to create a better future for all. Are we ready to make a change?