Dylan Burnell Image courtesy of Charleston Dis
Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly (left), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations, visits the High Battery and Adger’s Wharf during a site visit for the Charleston Peninsula Project in Charleston, S.C., May 15, 2026. Kelly met City of Charleston Mayor William Cogswell (right), Councilman Mike Seekings, as well as Lt. Col. Todd Mainwaring, Charleston District commander, and his staff to discuss the project and upcoming milestones. The group is looking to prioritize synchronization efforts for the $1.3 billion project. The project’s goal is to reduce severe coastal storm surge risk to the historic peninsula through a system of storm surge structures, nonstructural measures and natural features.
The City of Charleston and Mayor William Cogswell hosted a senior U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) general during a visit to the city’s Battery, May 15. Maj. Gen. Jason Kelly, USACE deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations, reiterated the federal government's commitment to Lowcountry resilience during the meeting with city officials and Charleston District staff.
The brief visit focused on the Charleston Peninsula Project, or Battery Extension Project, and featured a walk from the Low Battery, over the High Battery and ending at Adger’s Wharf. Officials took this route to emphasize the historical character and terrain elevation differences.
“The work we are doing with the City of Charleston is vital for protecting our community and strengthening the area against future challenges,” said Lt. Col. Todd Mainwaring, Charleston District commander. “Strong, enduring partnerships, like the one we share with Mayor Cogswell and the City of Charleston, are how we make these critical resilience projects a reality,” he said. “This collaboration with our partners to accelerate the delivery of vital infrastructure projects is central to our mission of engineering solutions for the state of South Carolina.”
The group is looking to prioritize synchronization efforts for the $1.3 billion project. The project’s goal is to reduce severe coastal storm surge risk to the historic peninsula through a system of storm surge structures, nonstructural measures and natural features.
“These site visits are extremely valuable to ensuring this critical project continues moving forward in a way that protects Charleston’s historic peninsula, strengthens our long-term resilience, and enhances quality of life for our residents,” said Cogswell. “We are grateful for the continued partnership and support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at both the local and federal levels, and we look forward to continuing this important collaboration.”
Charleston District continues to work with local, state and federal partners to deliver sustainable infrastructure that protects communities, enhances the environment and supports the local economy.
For more information on the Charleston Peninsula Project, visit https://www.sac.usace.army.