Folly Beach finishes first phase of renourishment project

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD)–The start of hurricane season is just a few weeks away, and officials at Folly Beach are working hard to ensure the beach is ready to withstand severe weather.

“Folly Beach is working with the Army Corps of Engineers on a beach renourishment project. We are placing sand along the beach in preparation for hurricane season,” said Dr. Nicole Elko, the President of Elko Coastal Consultant.

In late March, contractors with Gator Dredging Company began working to repair damaged dunes caused by severe erosion from high tides and storm surges in recent hurricanes like Ian and Idalia.

The project’s first phase, which extended from the county park to the pier, is complete. As officials prepare to begin the second phase, they urge visitors to know that construction work may impact beach access.

“We have another contractor coming in at the end of May to work the east side of the pier down to the end of the island. The best thing for people who want to make sure they’re nowhere near the impacts is to head toward West End down by the West End County Park,” said Eric Lutz, the director of public works for Folly Beach. 

City officials said they recognize that limiting beach access during the busy season is inconvenient. Still, Dr. Elko said ensuring the community’s safety as hurricane season approaches is necessary.

“This project is critical for the upcoming hurricane season. You want as much sand and dunes between you and the ocean as possible so that energy is breaking out on the sandbar and the beach, not on your city or your public infrastructure,” said Elko.

Officials told News 2 they anticipate completing the renourishment project by the end of August 2024.