Myrtle Beach, SC, January 26, 2026
Myrtle Beach is set to begin a $72 million beach renourishment project aimed at combating erosion and supporting the local economy. This initiative will strengthen the coastline, benefitting both residents and businesses dependent on tourism. With contributions from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the project reflects a significant commitment to preserving this vital natural resource, ensuring its longevity amid environmental challenges.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What major project is starting in Myrtle Beach?
A significant $72 million beach renourishment project is commencing in Myrtle Beach this week to fortify our shoreline against erosion. This initiative is part of a larger effort encompassing several Grand Strand communities.
Why is this beach renourishment project necessary?
This project is vital to protect life, property, essential infrastructure, and the region’s tourism industry from the impacts of erosion, weakened dunes, and shrinking beaches. It serves as an emergency response to environmental challenges.
Who is funding this extensive project?
The United States Army Corps of Engineers is entirely funding this comprehensive $72 million renourishment project, demonstrating a significant federal commitment to coastal preservation.
How will this project impact local businesses and visitors?
Expect temporary disruptions for beachfront businesses and visitors during the work, but these short-term adjustments are crucial for the long-term economic gains and sustained vitality of the local tourism industry.
What does beach renourishment involve?
Renourishment involves dredging sand from offshore locations and then pumping it onto the existing beach, meticulously widening the shoreline and rebuilding dunes to create a stronger barrier against future erosion and storms.
Myrtle Beach’s Shoreline Rebound: $72 Million Renourishment Kicks Off
A vital project to fortify our beaches against erosion is set to begin in Myrtle Beach, promising a stronger future for residents and local businesses.
Myrtle Beach, SC – The heartbeat of our coastal community, the pristine beaches of Myrtle Beach, are preparing for a significant revitalization. This week marks the beginning of the Myrtle Beach component of a large-scale beach renourishment project, a crucial investment totaling $72 million designed to fortify our natural assets against the relentless forces of nature. This initiative underscores a proactive approach to maintaining the allure and integrity of our coastline, which is not only a cherished recreational space but also a foundational pillar of the local economy.
For entrepreneurs and small businesses that thrive on the influx of visitors, a healthy and expansive beach is paramount. This project, while a substantial undertaking, represents a strategic commitment to the long-term prosperity of Myrtle Beach SC business. It ensures that our primary natural resource remains robust, protecting vital infrastructure, property, and the very tourism industry that fuels economic growth across the Grand Strand.
Fortifying Our Coastal Assets
The comprehensive renourishment project, with a total cost of $72 million, encompasses a significant stretch of the South Carolina coastline, including North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and Garden City, with the Myrtle Beach segment commencing this week. This substantial investment reflects the increased costs associated with such large-scale endeavors today. Its core purpose is multifaceted: to protect life, property, essential infrastructure, and the thriving tourism sector that defines our region.
Over time, the natural processes of erosion, exacerbated by waves and storms, have significantly impacted parts of our shoreline, leading to weakened dunes and shrinking beaches. This project serves as a critical, emergency response to these environmental challenges, ensuring the continued resilience of our beloved beaches.
A Collaborative Investment in Coastal Resilience
This vital project is a testament to strategic collaboration and foresight. The renourishment effort is funded entirely by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, highlighting a significant federal commitment to coastal preservation and economic stability in our region. The City of Myrtle Beach, in partnership with the Corps of Engineers, officially announced the start date for this essential work, demonstrating a coordinated effort to address critical environmental and economic needs. Such partnerships are fundamental to undertaking projects of this magnitude, ensuring resources are effectively deployed for the benefit of the entire community and the long-term viability of Myrtle Beach small business.
Temporary Disruptions, Long-Term Gains for Local Enterprise
While beach renourishment projects are essential for the long-term health of our coastline, it is understood that they can introduce temporary disruptions for hotels and other beachfront businesses along the Grand Strand. However, these short-term adjustments are widely recognized as a necessary investment for sustained economic vitality. A stronger, wider beach directly supports the local tourism industry, attracting visitors who, in turn, patronize local restaurants, shops, and attractions, fostering a vibrant environment for South Carolina entrepreneurs and economic growth.
The Science Behind a Stronger Shoreline
The process of beach renourishment is both fascinating and educational. It typically involves dredging sand from offshore locations and then pumping it onto the existing beach to widen and strengthen the shoreline. This meticulous process helps to rebuild dunes and expand the beach, creating a more robust barrier against future erosion and storm impacts. This commitment to maintaining our natural defenses is a smart investment in the future of Myrtle Beach, protecting both our environment and our economy.
The Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDD) was mobilized for this significant Corps of Engineers project in October 2025, laying the groundwork for the current phase.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Myrtle Beach’s Future
The beginning of the Myrtle Beach component of this $72 million renourishment project signifies a pivotal moment for our community. It represents a collective commitment to protecting our natural heritage and ensuring a stable foundation for future economic growth. By proactively addressing coastal erosion, we are safeguarding not only our physical shoreline but also the countless opportunities it provides for residents and visitors alike. This project reinforces the importance of strategic investment in our infrastructure and environment to secure a prosperous future for Myrtle Beach.
Key Features of the Myrtle Beach Renourishment Project
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Total Project Cost | $72 million | Local |
| Component Beginning This Week | Myrtle Beach segment | Local |
| Broader Project Scope | Includes North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City | Local |
| Funding Source | United States Army Corps of Engineers | Nationwide |
| Primary Purpose | Protecting life, property, infrastructure, and tourism | Local |
| Reason for Renourishment | Emergency response to erosion, weakened dunes, shrinking beaches | Local |
| Impact on Local Businesses | Temporary disruptions, long-term economic gains | Local |
As this essential work commences, we encourage residents and visitors to stay informed about the project’s progress and to continue supporting our local businesses, which are the backbone of our thriving economy. Our beaches are a shared treasure, and this investment ensures they will continue to be a source of pride and prosperity for generations to come. Let us embrace this opportunity to build an even stronger, more resilient Myrtle Beach.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
