August 25, 2014
By Dave Williams

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WJCL) — It may not happen until years down the line, but the City of Beaufort wants to be prepared.

That’s the purpose of a meeting Monday morning at Beaufort City Hall. The discussion centered around the rising sea levels and its potential impact to the city.

Through global warming and other factors, ice in Greenland, and other areas will eventually break away into the ocean, causing sea levels to rise, with a potential for an increase of about a foot by the year 2040.

“While we may not see a significant increase for 30 or 40 years, you have to start planning now to be prepared for that,” said Frank Knapp, Jr. President/CEO- SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce. “You can’t wait until it’s happening and then try to do something.”

“We as a community since we are vulnerable,” said Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling. “Just we’re vulnerable to hurricanes and natural disasters should be looking towards the future.”

Mayor Keyserling says he would like the city to work in conjunction with the town of Port Royal to set up a possible citizens task force to study possible options.

View the video here: Community Meeting

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