News Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced a $72 million beach renourishment project along the Grand Strand, set to begin in late fall 2025. The project aims to replenish eroded beaches and enhance coastal resilience. Construction will start in North Myrtle Beach and proceed to other areas, with careful scheduling to avoid the hurricane season. The initiative also focuses on public safety and preserving coastal ecosystems.
Myrtle Beach, SC – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced plans to initiate a $72 million beach renourishment project along the Grand Strand beginning in late fall 2025, with completion expected by mid-summer 2026. The project is aimed at replenishing eroded beaches and enhancing the region’s coastal resilience.
Renourishment efforts will commence in North Myrtle Beach in December 2025, followed by Myrtle Beach starting in February 2026. The Garden City and Surfside Beach areas will see similar work begin in April 2026. To ensure safety and mitigate risks associated with potential storms, the construction schedule has been strategically planned to avoid the peak hurricane season spanning from June 1 to November.
As the project progresses, it will involve careful coordination and monitoring. Heavy construction equipment will be utilized, and to ensure public safety, sections of the beach measuring 1,000 feet will be closed during work periods. The schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions and the availability of equipment.
Project Details
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will oversee the placement of 2 million cubic yards of material—equivalent to around 200,000 dump trucks along approximately 26 miles of coastline. Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company has been awarded the contract for this extensive operation, which was granted in December 2024.
The funding for the project is fully backed by the Army Corps of Engineers. This strategic initiative aims primarily to minimize risks to life and infrastructure located safely behind the protective dunes along the Grand Strand, an area vulnerable to storm-induced damage.
Background of the Project
This significant renourishment undertaking is largely a response to previous severe beach erosion caused by hurricanes, including Hurricane Ian in September 2022 and Hurricane Debby in August 2024. These weather events prompted increased concerns for the safety and sustainability of the coastal communities along the Grand Strand.
Early planning phases for the project began earlier this year, with the Army Corps utilizing drone mapping technology starting in March 2025 to analyze beach contours and current shoreline conditions. The high-resolution topographical data collected will aid in the precise execution of the renourishment plan.
Public Information and Safety Measures
As the project progresses, an online tracker will be made available for the public to monitor updates. Clear signage and barriers will be placed around construction zones to ensure public awareness and safety. Residents and visitors are urged to respect these markings and adhere to safety measures during the construction phase.
This beach renourishment initiative represents a concerted effort by local and federal authorities to preserve and protect the vital coastal ecosystems and economies that rely heavily on the Grand Strand’s beaches. As the project moves forward, the community can expect a revitalized shore that will better withstand the challenges posed by future storms.
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Myrtle Beach Prepares for $72 Million Beach Renourishment Project
Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- Wikipedia: Beach Renourishment
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Grand Strand Beach Renourishment Project
- WBTW News
- Google Scholar: Beach Renourishment Projects
- My Horry News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
- MSN News
- Google News: Beach Renourishment 2025
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.
