The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, hosted a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Calhoun Drive Beach Access in Garden City last week, marking the completion of the $72 million Grand Strand renourishment project.
Officially completed August 15, the project restored nearly 28 miles of shoreline from North Myrtle Beach through Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and Garden City.
"This major coastal storm risk management effort engineered vital protective berms and restored sand along critical reaches of the Grand Strand coastline. The engineered beach profile acts as a natural buffer, absorbing wave energy to protect essential public infrastructure, commercial properties, and residential neighborhoods from severe storm surge, while preserving the shoreline that powers the regional economy," USACE said.
From December through August, contractors placed more than 2.15 million cubic yards of sand along the coastline.
According to USACE, the renewed shoreline will help reduce flood risk and provide greater protection for roads, utilities, homes and the Grand Strand’s tourism economy.