Folly citizens opted not to install sewer decades ago to prevent overdevelopment. That was the right decision. Zoning and legislation have since proven they can serve that purpose. Rising groundwater levels make septic drainfields less viable and cause pollution to reach our marshes. Engineered systems offer an expensive and unsightly band-aid.

Working together to install island-wide sewer access will save homeowners money, clean our waterways, and prevent eventual condemnation of low-lying properties. As Plum Island nears maximum capacity, the time to secure treatment for Folly Beach wastewater is now.

Folly Beach lags far beyond national averages in internet speed. Our 200 MBPS downloads and 10 MBPS uploads make us an unattractive destination for permanent relocation or remote work. Fiber internet is available on James Island and can be extended, but requires burying the cable. The Big Dig is the opportunity to bring us into the modern era.

After tropical and wind events, some areas of Folly often go for days or longer without electricity, complicating cleanup and flood remediation. As storm activity intensifies year over year, the solution is to bury our power lines, strengthening our ability to weather hurricanes.

Buried power lines also bring aesthetic benefits, eliminating the periodic butchering of our beautiful live oak canopies.