Myrtle Beach, SC, February 8, 2026
The Grand Strand Beach Renourishment project is significantly widening Myrtle Beach’s coastline, aiming to enhance economic prospects for local businesses and protect against coastal erosion. This strategic investment not only fortifies the region against hurricanes but also supports the tourism economy, which relies on healthy beaches. With extensive federal funding, the project spans 26 miles, demonstrating the collaborative efforts essential for sustainable local growth and resilience against environmental challenges.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What is the Grand Strand Beach Renourishment Project?
This substantial undertaking aims to strengthen and widen 26 miles of coastline from North Myrtle Beach to Garden City, primarily for coastal storm risk management and hurricane surge protection after severe erosion.
Why is this project so important for the Grand Strand?
Ensures the long-term health of our beaches, which are a foundational element of the Grand Strand’s tourism economy, protecting local businesses, infrastructure, and attracting millions of visitors.
How much does the renourishment project cost, and who is funding it?
This substantial $72 million project is 100% federally funded through emergency relief provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, due to increased equipment costs and greater sand needs.
What is the current status and timeline for the renourishment work?
Sand placement began in North Myrtle Beach in December 2025, completing its section by February 7, 2026; work shifts to Myrtle Beach in February 2026, and Surfside Beach/Garden City in April 2026, with overall completion expected by mid-summer 2026.
How will the wider beaches benefit the local economy?
Bolsters the Grand Strand economy by protecting essential infrastructure and homes, ensuring the continued attraction of millions of visitors, which directly supports local businesses and job creation.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Grand Strand’s Wider Beaches: A Boost for Business?
The ongoing Grand Strand Beach Renourishment project is significantly expanding, promising long-term economic benefits and demonstrating the power of strategic partnerships in fostering sustainable growth for the entire Grand Strand. This vital investment in our natural coastline is a testament to proactive community engagement and careful planning, crucial for the prosperity of local businesses and the vibrant tourism economy.
The continuous health of our beaches is not merely an aesthetic concern; it is a foundational element of the Grand Strand economy. For years, local entrepreneurs and small businesses have built their livelihoods around the allure of our sandy shores. The beach renourishment efforts exemplify how targeted investments, particularly those born from a clear need for coastal protection, can directly support the resilience and sustained growth of the entire region. It underscores the understanding that a healthy natural environment is a prerequisite for a thriving commercial landscape.
The Grand Strand Beach Renourishment: A Comprehensive Overview
The Grand Strand Beach Renourishment Project is a substantial undertaking aimed at strengthening and widening the coastline. This critical initiative is designed for coastal storm risk management, beach erosion control, and hurricane surge protection, ultimately reducing the risk to life and essential infrastructure behind the dunes. The project’s necessity arose from severe erosion caused by Hurricanes Ian in September 2022 and Debby in August 2024.
The scope of this particular project covers approximately 26 miles along the Grand Strand, encompassing areas such as North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and Garden City. Arcadian Shores was recently added to the project scope due to specific erosion concerns. The work involves placing a substantial two million cubic yards of sand, equivalent to 200,000 dump trucks, onto the beaches.
Key Features of the Grand Strand Beach Renourishment Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Grand Strand Beach Renourishment Project |
| Purpose | Coastal storm risk management, beach erosion control, hurricane surge protection. It reduces risk to life and infrastructure behind the dunes. This is an emergency renourishment following severe erosion from Hurricanes Ian (September 2022) and Debby (August 2024). |
| Scope | Renourishment of 26 miles along the Grand Strand, encompassing North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and Garden City. Arcadian Shores was added due to erosion. Involves placing two million cubic yards of sand. |
| Total Cost | $72 million. |
| Funding Source | 100% federally funded through emergency relief from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is an increase from past projects due to rising equipment costs and greater sand needs. |
| Key Agencies/Contractor | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company. |
| Timeline Highlights | Contract awarded December 2024. Offshore equipment mobilization began November 2025. Sand placement began in North Myrtle Beach December 2025 (first section completed February 7, 2026). Myrtle Beach section expected to begin February 2026. Surfside Beach and Garden City in April 2026. Anticipated completion by mid-summer 2026. |
| Economic Impact | Supports the Grand Strand economy by protecting infrastructure, homes, and businesses, ensuring the continued attraction of millions of visitors, which benefits Myrtle Beach SC business and Myrtle Beach small business. |
Collaborative Funding and Efficient Execution
This substantial $72 million renourishment project is entirely federally funded through emergency relief provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This federal commitment underscores the critical importance of coastal protection for the region and illustrates how strategic federal intervention can stabilize areas impacted by natural disasters. While regional beach renourishment projects have seen significantly increased costs, this emergency funding addresses the immediate need for robust coastal defenses. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District awarded the contract to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company in December 2024, initiating the meticulous planning and execution phase.
Progress and Future Phases
The project has seen significant progress, demonstrating effective large-scale operations. Offshore equipment mobilization commenced in November 2025. Sand placement began in North Myrtle Beach in December 2025, with crews operating around the clock to ensure timely progress. As of February 7, 2026, the first section in North Myrtle Beach, spanning over eight miles, was completed, with more than 672,000 cubic yards of sand placed. Crews are also undertaking final finish work, including tilling, smoothing, and installing sand fencing, to prepare the beach for future use and sea turtle nesting.
The focus is now shifting to other areas. Operations for the City of Myrtle Beach section are expected to begin in February 2026. Subsequently, work in Surfside Beach and Garden City is anticipated to start in April 2026, with the overall project expected to conclude by mid-summer 2026, weather permitting. This phased approach minimizes disruption while maximizing efficiency, a model of sound project management.
Bolstering the Local Economy and Coastal Resilience
The benefits of a revitalized coastline extend far beyond storm protection. Wider, healthier beaches are a primary draw for the millions of visitors who flock to the Grand Strand each year, directly supporting the Myrtle Beach SC business community and countless Myrtle Beach small business ventures. This continuous flow of tourism dollars is vital for job creation and sustained economic growth across the region.
While the project’s primary funding is federal emergency relief, the ongoing maintenance and future needs of the coast often involve a blend of state and local resources. South Carolina’s Shoreline Change Advisory Committee fund, for instance, provides state matching funds for priority public beach renourishment projects and emergency response, illustrating a layered approach to coastal stewardship. This combination of federal emergency aid and state-level readiness demonstrates a comprehensive strategy for managing one of South Carolina’s most valuable assets.
Looking Ahead: Sustained Growth and Community Engagement
The Grand Strand Beach Renourishment Project stands as a significant example of how strategic local investment in infrastructure and natural resources translates into broader economic stability and community well-being. By fortifying our beaches against natural forces, we are not only protecting property but also ensuring the continued vitality of the tourism sector and the livelihoods it supports.
While some experts raise questions about the long-term effectiveness of renourishment in the face of rising sea levels, this project provides immediate, crucial protection and a foundation for ongoing coastal management strategies. The collaborative effort between federal agencies and local communities showcases a pragmatic approach to environmental challenges that directly benefits residents and businesses.
We encourage residents and visitors to support our local businesses, which are intrinsically linked to the health of our beautiful coastline. Staying informed about coastal management initiatives and participating in community dialogues are essential ways to contribute to Myrtle Beach’s economic future and ensure the Grand Strand remains a thriving destination for generations to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Myrtle Beach Experiences Growth and Innovation
Myrtle Beach’s Coastal Expansion: A Hub for Innovation and Growth
New Leadership Integration Between Academia and Banking in SC
Myrtle Beach’s Shoreline Rebound: $72 Million Renourishment Kicks Off
Myrtle Beach’s Economic Pulse: Free Food & Fresh Growth
Jason Caskey Joins South Atlantic Bank Board
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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.
