Flood Frustration in Hilton Head Island: A Family’s Battle for Flood Relief

Flood Frustration in Hilton Head Island: A Family’s Fight for Relief

HILTON HEAD ISLAND—For many families, living near the ocean is a dream come true, filled with sun-kissed days at the beach and evening strolls along the shore. However, for Terry Hall and his family, those sandy shores come with a heavy dose of reality as their home faces frequent floods. This father of two had high hopes after being selected for a generous $150,000 flood mitigation grant to help elevate their home out of reach of the rising waters. Unfortunately, things haven’t quite gone according to plan.

A Promising Grant Amidst Growing Flooding Concerns

Back in 2022, Terry thought he finally found a solution to the persistent issues caused by heavy rains and storms. The plan was simple: raise his house above the flood level. With everything in place—including contractors and drawn-up plans—Terry was ready to start renovations. But just as quickly as hope bloomed, it all came crashing down.

“All of a sudden the brakes got thrown,” Terry expressed, reflecting on the sudden change in circumstances. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds this grant, but management lies in the hands of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which recently imposed tighter regulations. The department now requires municipalities like Hilton Head Island to assume liability for these private projects. This unexpected change resulted in a snag that Terry never saw coming.

The Process Becomes Complex

Jessica Artz, a specialist with the DNR’s flood mitigation program, explained that the new policies are intended to protect state interests regarding grant funds. “We’re working on a fair process that can be implemented statewide,” Artz said. However, this change has led to complications for Hilton Head Island, making it the first community to face such hurdles.

Speaking on the matter, Heather Woolwine, a spokesperson for the town, emphasized that they are actively collaborating with DNR officials and state Senator Tom Davis to find a way forward. “It’s a complex process,” she remarked, reiterating their commitment to helping homeowners like Terry navigate these challenges.

Living in Limbo

In the meantime, Terry, his wife Elizabeth, and their two sons have temporarily moved into a house owned by a local church. After being displaced due to significant flooding from Tropical Storm Debby in August, the family is trying to maintain a sense of normalcy during this trying time. This storm marked the third major flood that has forced them from their home in a span of just eight years—a heartbreaking cycle of disaster that no family should endure.

Having initially applied for the grant back in 2018 and finally being selected four years later, waiting has become an agonizing experience. “The only thing that’s in between me and starting to rebuild my life is a signature from the town,” Hall shared, emphasizing his eagerness to get back to normal. “We’ve got a place to stay, but that doesn’t mean we need to sit on our butts and wait.” His determination is evident as he hopes the funds will soon come through so he can rebuild his home at a safer elevation.

Looking Ahead

As Hilton Head Island faces these complicated challenges, one thing is clear: families like Terry’s are waiting in limbo for solutions to their flooding woes. With collaborations underway between local officials and state departments, there is hope on the horizon for smoothening out the process. Yet, for many families facing such pressing concerns, time is of the essence. The battle for flood relief continues, as all eyes are on Hilton Head Island to pave the way for a brighter, safer future for its residents.