BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — Berkeley County will receive $1.8 million in state funding to purchase two new firefighting vessels and a heavy-duty tow vehicle, an investment local and federal officials say will significantly strengthen emergency response capabilities across South Carolina’s Lowcountry.
The funding, awarded through the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs Military Enhancement Fund, is intended to improve maritime emergency response while supporting both civilian safety and nearby military operations. The new equipment will bolster the county’s Marine Incident Response Team, expanding coverage along major waterways such as the Cooper River and Lake Moultrie.
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Rep. Nancy Mace, whose district includes Berkeley County, supported the grant application by submitting a letter highlighting the county’s strategic importance and its proximity to Joint Base Charleston. Officials say the upgrades will help reduce response times and improve coordination during fires, chemical spills, and other emergencies on local waterways.
“Our first responders put their lives on the line every single day to protect South Carolinians, and they deserve every resource we can give them,” Mace said in a statement, calling the investment critical for protecting families, neighborhoods, and regional military installations.
Berkeley County plays a key role in South Carolina’s defense infrastructure, and officials say enhanced maritime capabilities are increasingly important as both commercial and military activity along Lowcountry waterways continues to grow.
Mace said the new vessels and tow vehicle could prove lifesaving in high-risk situations. “When emergencies hit our waterways, seconds matter,” she said, adding that the funding represents a win for residents, service members, and first responders alike.
