Myrtle Beach Renourishment Begins
The first phase of a major beach renourishment project is underway in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. City officials expect the work to bolster the shoreline in time for spring and summer seasons, though ongoing construction will affect some beach areas. The project promises wider, healthier beaches later in the year for beachgoers.
- This renourishment project is a $72 million effort entirely funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It was prompted by erosion from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Hurricane Debby in 2024. - The project will place two million cubic yards of sand along 26 miles of the Grand Strand coastline, which is equivalent to the volume of about 200,000 dump trucks. The contract was awarded to the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company. - While the main project is federally funded, the city of Myrtle Beach and Horry County are splitting the cost of an additional $9.7 to $10 million renourishment for the Arcadian Shores area, which was not eligible for the federal project. - Crews will work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in 1,000-foot sections to minimize disruption to beachgoers. Each section is expected to be actively under construction for only two to three days. - The long-term average erosion rate in the Myrtle Beach area is about one-half foot per year. However, a U.S. Geological Survey study noted that from the 1850s to the 1980s, the shoreline retreated at an average rate of 0.7 feet per year. - Tourism is a major economic driver for the region, with an estimated total economic impact of over $26 billion. In 2024, direct visitor spending reached $13.2 billion. - Beach renourishment is a recurring necessity for the area; the last major project was completed in 2019. These projects are intended to protect coastal infrastructure, homes, and businesses from storm damage. - The process involves dredging sand from offshore locations and pumping it onto the beach, which can have environmental impacts. This can include disturbing marine ecosystems at the dredging site and temporarily increasing water turbidity.
