Executive order creates S.C. Floodwater Commission

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An executive order from S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster has created the S.C. Floodwater Commission to facilitate communication and coordination among local, state, federal and private agencies.

The commission, which will announce members in the coming weeks and hold its initial meeting next month, will be charged with identifying short- and long-term solutions for flood-prone areas in the state.

McMaster has appointed Tom Mullikin, a research professor at Coastal Carolina University, as chair. The commission will also include nine ex-officio members and no more than 18 additional appointments from state agencies including the Emergency Management Division and the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

“A cohesive, collaborative statewide approach is needed to address the problem of flooding, and this gives us the greatest opportunity for success,” McMaster said in a news release. “While it may seem like a daunting proposition, the only way to solve this problem is by working together as Team South Carolina. This commission will serve as a vehicle for authorities to exchange research and ideas while coordinating mitigation efforts and proposals.”