SC Floodwater Commission has released its key findings and defined major challenges Horry County needs to overcome, “Urbanization, deforestation, draining of wetlands, and construction of impermeable surfaces have amplified the effects of flooding events across the state of South Carolina resulting in over $20 billion in damages. Due to their amazing ability to store water, wetlands offer one of the best and natural flood damage reduction methods available. These natural buffers can reduce flooding peaks by 60% with only 15% of the watershed being maintained. In South Carolina, wetland forests are worth $39.6 billion, but with conservation, could increase by $5.1 billion.” Horry County’s drafted comprehensive plan Imagine 2040 clearly defines these conservation areas for future protection. The plan scheduled to be adopted in December 2018 is ten months past the deadline, by choosing to send it back to workshop after being pressured by developers who are against land use restrictions, hundreds of acres are being rezoned each month defined as scenic and conservation. No one entity should have the power to undermine due process that all the other vested interests so dutifully followed especially when their interests directly conflict with Governor McMaster’s agenda, to protect the state from catastrophic economic losses due to flooding. Adopt Imagine 2040 now and hold a vote on a final, third hearing.