Congresswoman Nancy Mace announced on May 11 that the U.S. Coast Guard will receive a $212 million investment for upgrades at Coast Guard Base Charleston. The funding comes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which secured $25 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard and will support improvements to medical and dental care, roads, utilities, access control, and waterfront infrastructure at the base.
The investment is expected to bring significant benefits to service members stationed in Charleston as well as their families. The funds are intended to enhance operational readiness and provide modern facilities for those working to maintain maritime security in the region.
“This is a huge win for the men and women of USCG Base Charleston who work to keep our Lowcountry waters safe every single day,” said Congresswoman Mace. “We voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill because we knew it would deliver real results for South Carolina, and this is exactly what we are seeing today. This funding means better medical care, modernized facilities, and a stronger, more capable base. We will always work to ensure federal dollars come back home to South Carolina.”
Vice Admiral Jo-Ann Burdian also commented on the significance of these projects: “I am excited for the incredible potential these projects have to improve the welfare of our Servicemembers and their families, to homeport our future fleet of Offshore Patrol Cutters and to operationalize the generous investments being made in our Service by the American people,” said Vice Admiral Burdian. “Our people are our greatest asset, and everything we do on their behalf, to ensure they are ready, trained and well-supported will enable us to act with clarity, cohesion, and purpose to deliver the outcomes our Nation expects.”
The investment will be divided between two major contracts: one project valued at $116.7 million focuses on overhauling Pier Mike with new utilities infrastructure—this includes dredging work as well as expanded parking—and is scheduled for completion by April 2030; another project worth $95.5 million will build a new Medical and Dental Facility along with upgraded security features such as a main gate redesign and improved roadways by July 2029.
Mace has represented South Carolina’s 1st district since 2021 after previously serving in the state House of Representatives from 2018 through 2020; she was born in Fort Bragg but currently resides in Charleston according to Congress.gov. She graduated from The Citadel in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree according to Congress.gov.
“USCG Base Charleston is the backbone of our maritime security in the Lowcountry, and this investment ensures it stays this way for generations to come. We will always work to make sure our Coast Guard members and their families have the resources and support they deserve,” Mace said.