ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - Federal, state and local beach advocates are workshopping how to prioritize the protection of beachfront access along some of the Southeast's most beloved waterfronts.
The 11th annual South Carolina Beach Advocates conference opened its panel on Thursday. The conference began more than a decade ago with the intention of consolidating funding and beach management along the state's coastline, something Administrator Nicole Elko said did not exist when she took on the role.
"We're all looking for funds, we're all battling the same issue. Permitting takes a long time, projects take a long time and projects cost a lot more than they used to. It's hard in these small communities and we need the state's help," Incoming Chair and Mayor of Isle of Palms Phillip Pounds said.
Several of the local communities have set up projects involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who attended the conference. In a keynote speech, the group announced its most recent effort to renourish and preserve the shoreline in Myrtle Beach.
The $72 million project will cover 26 miles of the beachfront.
"Our beach projects, a lot of people go there to recreate and play, we know it's a big economic driver for the state of South Carolina and the nation, but really the reason we build beaches is not just to recreate, it's to protect the infrastructure behind the dunes," Chief of Civil Works Jeff Livasy said.
This year, the group is hoping to implement long term, state commitment and create proactive initiatives rather than banking on emergency funding or projects. Elko said Governor Henry McMaster appropriated $5 million into the efforts this year, and previously, up to $50 million.
Eleven Lowcountry communities, including Georgetown, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Kiawah Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Edisto Beach, Pawleys Island, Sullivans Island and the DeBordieu Colony Community Association, presented their findings from the past year.
Many of the beach access points faced detrimental challenges after the longterm impacts of inclement weather, including Hurricane Ian, a Nor'Easter in 2023 and Tropical Storm Debby in 2024.
Kiawah Island Mayor Brad Belt claimed its strongest struggles come from how to manage natural resources both on the marsh side and beach shoreline. The area suffered from inundation along the one major roadway which provides a single entry and exit point to islanders. Uniquely, the area is also mostly private owned spaces, with only an exception of Beachwalker Park, and the town's 3 miles of roadway and 21 acres of land. This complicates efforts to use public sector funding to preserve the area.
Isle of Palms Administrator Douglas Kerr reported a continued concern for beach erosion along the Wild Dunes resort and Breech Inlet. The group has attempted improvements with a beach preservation ad hoc committee. Despite this, Kerr believes there needs to be money and permits in place to create strategies before a storm passes through and causes detrimental damage.
Folly Beach Administrator Aaron Pope mentioned a continuous cycle of efforts to renew and manage the beach, however political will and a lack of staff creates challenges for submitting grant applications or educating the community on efforts.
Sullivans Island Administrator Joe Henderson claimed similar issues with erosion on the eastern and western ends of town, plus stormwater management concerns. The town will move forward on plans to construct native stormwater infrastructure within the next two or three years.
The other seven panelists reference similar issues crowding their ability to preserve shorelines.
"You're trying to outguess Mother Nature, you're trying to anticipate a storm 'and save as much money as you can while spending money on other projects as well. It's a constant story to have to tell, the economic impact beach communities have," Pounds said.
South Carolina beaches attract more than 140 million visitors every year, according to Elko's findings. This generates $23.8 billion in economic impact for the state.
Elko also claimed beach tourism contributes $1.2 billion in state tax revenue, representing two-thirds of the state's total tourism revenue. Tourists generate more than $1200 in economic development for every $1 invested into beaches, and more than $250 in state taxes for every $1.
The goal, Elko said, of the conference is to create resilience funding to protect the state's most valuable asset for future generations.
The conference will continue into Friday. The group will hear from legislators and Governor Henry McMaster.
The next annual conference will be held Jan. 2026 in Hilton Head.