Upon completion of a post-storm assessment after the effects of Superstorm Sandy, the Charleston District has determined that the estimated sand loss to the federal project at Folly Beach is approximately 75,000-100,000 cubic yards.
In order to restore Folly Beach to pre-Sandy conditions, the District estimates that it would cost $2.7-3.5 million to replace the lost sand. In comparison, Hurricane Irene caused an estimated 300,000-350,000 cubic yards of lost sand at Folly Beach.
Approximately $1.4 million would be for the mobilization/demobilization of the dredge alone. The District’s estimates only account for sand loss to the federal project and do not include sand loss beyond the line of the project. Based on photographs and inspection of the beach, there was some sand loss beyond the line of the project and some structures that sustained erosion damage, but the Charleston District does not calculate these damages as these damage assessments are the responsibility of the City of Folly Beach.
The Charleston District has completed their assessment and provided the required information to Corps of Engineers headquarters in Washington, D.C. Should a disaster declaration be made for areas within the state of South Carolina and should funding from a supplemental appropriations bill become available, the Charleston District will work with the City of Folly Beach to work through the process to determine if the impacts meet the criteria to allow the project to be restored to pre-Sandy conditions.
The federal project at Folly Beach reached the trigger point for regular renourishment prior to Superstorm Sandy. At this time, the Charleston District has received $400,000 for the federal project to complete plans and speculations and environmental assessments. The FY14 President’s Budget, to be released in February, will determine if the project receives additional funding for renourishment of the beach.
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Press Release, November 7, 2012