Posted on September 10, 2018
Many people would agree that the beaches along the Grand Strand attract millions of visitors every year, which is why officials say protecting them is critical.
Part of that protection plan is a four month, $35 million beach renourishment project which has been in the works since last month.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been working on the beach renourishment project since Aug. 15.
The project extends from Garden City Beach to Myrtle Beach totaling 14 miles.
“It is protecting and an investment in our most important resource. People come to Myrtle Beach for the beach,” said Jimmy Gray, director of government affairs with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
This is why millions of federal dollars have been invested to protect the beaches along the Grand Strand.
“Its a complete renourishment of the federal project that’s out here that reduces the risks to people and property and the infrastructure here in the Grand Strand,” said Jeffrey Palazzini, Lt. Colonel with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The federally funded risk reduction project started after Hurricane Irma, because it caused major erosion that put beach homes and businesses at risk of losing everything.
“Our goal is always to start a project like this as fast as possible. We want the sand on the beach to improve the protection as quickly as we can,” said Palazzini.
Many residents who live along the beach said the construction and noise can be inconvenient, but forJim Bhar, who lives along the south strand, he said it’s all necessary and worth it.
“These guys need to get all this done as quick as can be. Inconvenience, eh, it’s short term for the results we end up with,” said Bhar.
Officials said a project of this magnitude can be a bit challenging, trying to piece it all together.
“As a result of the hurricanes last year, the dredge industry is in high demand so it’s difficult to get free dredges to come and do a project like this,” said Palazzini.
Officials said preparation is a team effort.
“We coordinate with the South Carolina Delegation, the senators, Congressman Rice, all have a big role they are really important partners to play in this. The local officials have a big role, we coordinate,” said Palazzini.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said one of their biggest environmental concerns with this project is the sea turtles.
Officials work with local turtle handlers to relocate the nests so they aren’t in the way of any construction.
The project is on schedule to be complete by Dec. 15 and officials said they will have pumped 1.4 million cubic yards of sand for the entire project by the end of it.
Source: ABC 15 News
