2026 Restoration Project
The city is planning a major beach renourishment project, anticipated to place up to 2.5 million cubic yards of sand island-wide, including both ends of the island. That project, which could begin as early as spring 2026, is part of the City’s long-term Comprehensive Beach Management Plan.
Alternatives Analysis
The Isle of Palms City Council has voted to hire Foth/Olsen to conduct a study of the City’s beach restoration strategy.
Bringing in a new contractor could introduce fresh and innovative approaches aimed at extending the longevity of future sand placements, reducing the frequency of large scale restorations.
Any recommended alternatives would need to be implemented within a few years of the 2026 restoration project to help maximize the lifespan of the newly placed sand.
Funding
The city has requested $5.3 million in state funding for the major beach renourishment project. The required $5.3 million local match has already been secured, and an estimated $27 million will come from local sources, including funds raised by the Wild Dunes Community Association, to complete the work. The amounts of each contribution are still to be determined.
All other City beach restoration efforts are being funded through a combination of the City's Beach Preservation Fund, Wild Dunes Community Association (WDCA) contributions, and state and federal sources.
Updates
