Replace Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie Docks

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park » Replace Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie Docks » Document List

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to replace the docks at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The docks at each fort are essential in transporting visitors and staff to the park. Both the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie docks have deteriorated and are at risk of failure. They also do not provide adequate accessibility and safety for visitors and staff.

The NPS prepared an environmental assessment (EA) for public review and comment. Based on the analysis of the no action and two action alternatives presented in the EA, the NPS selected Alternative 1 as the proposed action for implementation at Fort Sumter and Alternative 1 for implementation at Fort Moultrie. The selected alternatives will include the construction of new docks and removal of the existing docks. The dock at Fort Sumter will be constructed adjacent to the existing dock and demolition of the existing dock will occur after the construction of the new dock is complete. The dock at Fort Moultrie will be constructed within the same footprint as the existing dock which will require demolition of the existing dock before construction of the new dock. The proposed actions were selected after careful analysis of resource impacts, consultation with Tribal Nations, the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, the National Marine Fisheries Service and review of stakeholder and public comments. A summary of the impacts, consultation, public involvement and the decision can be found in the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

Updated docks will be able to accommodate a variety of vessel types, enhance visitor experience with safe, continuous access to both forts, and are anticipated to function for 30 years. The proposed actions also account for climate change and increasing harbor traffic projections. Construction of the docks is anticipated to be completed by summer 2026.