West Columbia’s Riverwalk was damaged as Hurricane Helene blew through in late September. Since, City of West Columbia staff members have met with Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives as a part of the process to obtain funding to have the popular trail along the Congaree River repaired.

The damage is to the boardwalk under the Gervais Street Bridge and beyond, and on the southbound portion of trail that eventually borders the City of Cayce.

Tara Greenwood, West Columbia’s Assistant City Administrator of Development, said at Tuesday’s West Columbia City Council meeting that the final report to assess damage and plan repair is due Feb. 15. After that is approved by FEMA, the project can be submitted for bids to repair companies.

The boardwalk is damaged and must be repaired, along with the concrete path. Fill dirt must be added too.

West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles asked if the south portion toward Cayce could be fixed by April for the Greater-Cayce West Columbia Chamber Rabbit Run. Miles has accepted a challenge to race West Columbia City Councilwoman Sara Mattern. Miles sis he is getting an 8-minute head start.

Greenwood said the Army Corps of Engineers are involved in the Riverwalk repair because it’s on a public waterway. Riverwalk is used by hundreds of thousands, Greenwood said.