LRC Briefing Note: Intercoastal Waterway
August 05, 2021

What is Going On:
A bill planned for the 2022 South Carolina Legislative Session proposes that all boating craft run at idle speed within 200 feet of any structure in any and all navigable waters in the state.
What is Being Done:
Representative William Bailey, District 104 held a public meeting July 20, 2021, to allow residents and business owners to voice their concerns about the traffic and boating behavior in the intercoastal waterway throughout Little River. The U.S. Coast Guard and D.N.R. were on hand to listen. Rep. Bailey is against a “one size fits all” solution for the state and wants the committee to structure a bill that can work for us here, locally.
What You Need To Know:
The opinions and concerns of residents and business owners were heard by the agencies in attendance.
This was an organizational meeting to determine a strategy going forward to protect Little River, the ICW and its businesses and residents.
A subsequent meeting will be organized and scheduled as a hearing to get testimony on the record to plead our case against a one size fits all bill.
Potential solutions were discussed to alleviate the issues and concerns regarding the traffic and behaviors of boaters, jet skis, etc. of note.
D.N.R. has budgeted for 2 additional officers to add to the enforcement efforts in our area. Staffing should be upgraded by fall of 2021.
We will continue to update you as we receive information.
A bill planned for the 2022 South Carolina Legislative Session proposes that all boating craft run at idle speed within 200 feet of any structure in any and all navigable waters in the state.
What is Being Done:
Representative William Bailey, District 104 held a public meeting July 20, 2021, to allow residents and business owners to voice their concerns about the traffic and boating behavior in the intercoastal waterway throughout Little River. The U.S. Coast Guard and D.N.R. were on hand to listen. Rep. Bailey is against a “one size fits all” solution for the state and wants the committee to structure a bill that can work for us here, locally.
What You Need To Know:
The opinions and concerns of residents and business owners were heard by the agencies in attendance.
This was an organizational meeting to determine a strategy going forward to protect Little River, the ICW and its businesses and residents.
A subsequent meeting will be organized and scheduled as a hearing to get testimony on the record to plead our case against a one size fits all bill.
Potential solutions were discussed to alleviate the issues and concerns regarding the traffic and behaviors of boaters, jet skis, etc. of note.
D.N.R. has budgeted for 2 additional officers to add to the enforcement efforts in our area. Staffing should be upgraded by fall of 2021.
We will continue to update you as we receive information.