West Columbia’s Riverwalk Remains Closed: What’s Going On?
In West Columbia, the signs of change are not reflected along the Riverwalk, which has been cut off from the public for over two months now. Since Hurricane Helene barreled through the Southeast in late September, locals have been left wondering when the beloved half-mile stretch of the trail, which starts by the West Columbia Amphitheater and links to Cayce’s Riverwalk, will finally reopen.
Why Isn’t It Open Yet?
While the Cayce portion of the Riverwalk made a speedy recovery and reopened fully on November 7, West Columbia appears to be stuck in a holding pattern. Concerns over the delayed reopening have grown, but city officials are clear about the holdup. A significant part of the delay comes from a wait for disaster funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help repair the damage caused by Helene.
According to city spokesperson Anna Huffman, officials are scheduled to meet with FEMA and S.C. Emergency Management at the end of December, but there is no definitive timeline for reopening until those discussions take place. Until they receive a comprehensive assessment of damages and an estimated cost, the Riverwalk will remain behind the fence.
The Aftermath of Helene
Once Helene passed, residents woke up to grim sights on September 27. As the waters receded from the storm, cleanup crews worked tirelessly to clear roads of the debris, including fallen trees and downed power lines that had left thousands without electricity for days.
Sadly, it didn’t take long for the Congaree River to crest, causing significant flooding that submerged sections of the West Columbia and Cayce Riverwalks. The river peaked at an astonishing 30.5 feet, compounding the damage along the trail.
The city officially submitted its request for help to FEMA on October 14, but the recovery process appears to be long and complicated. Mayor Tem Miles explained that this wasn’t just a case of cleanup; the storm caused extensive structural damage that requires a detailed plan. “We can’t just clean everything off and fix small things; we’re dealing with a different kind of situation,” he noted.
Reliving Past Challenges
West Columbia has faced major challenges in cleanup and repairs before. Following the devastating flooding in 2015, recovery took more than three years to fully address the damages. According to Mayor Miles, the city is dealing with significant debris and structural issues that have required specialized assessments. Given that issues can take well over a year to resolve after storms, it’s no surprise that the wait continues.
Meanwhile, the city of Cayce was able to act more swiftly since they tackled their repairs without waiting for FEMA funding. They initially covered the costs with local funds and later sought reimbursement, allowing them to move quickly in reopening their section of the Riverwalk.
Looking Ahead
The waiting game is frustrating for West Columbia residents, who cherish the beautiful scenery and recreation opportunities along the Riverwalk. City officials recognize just how important this area is to the community’s identity and are eager to get it reopened. “It’s such an important part of our recreation and who we are as a city,” said Cayce’s spokesperson, emphasizing the need to focus on quick recovery.
However, city officials in West Columbia remind everyone that patience is key. As they look forward to discussions with FEMA, they remain hopeful for quicker action and updates. For now, folks will have to plan their visits to the Riverwalk on the Cayce side until they can return to their favorite spot in West Columbia.
With hope for effective meetings with FEMA and a clear plan for repairs, residents are optimistic that their beloved Riverwalk will soon be flowing with life again.
