According to numbers released Tuesday, South Carolina's Grand Strand--made up of a stretch of coastal communities--could see more than $56 million in federal government funding for storm water and beach renourishment projects. This figure exceeds original propositions by millions of dollars.
The local upgrades are part of a long awaited water infrastructure bill (the Water Resources Development Act) the U.S. House and Senate are expected to vote on in the upcoming weeks that authorizes Army Corps of Engineers projects nationwide.
Grand Strand leaders have made a concerted effort over the past year to advocate much needed funding for the beach communities. "It's really exciting," said Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes. "It shows you that our congressmen and senators are working for us."
Members from both houses met last week to discuss different versions of the bill, and ultimately the Grand Strand landed more funds than either house originally proposed. The bills initially proposed $16 to $21 million in funds, but now the communities are looking at $40 million for storm water projects and Pawleys Island could receive more than $16 million for beach renourishment at the south end of the island.
Last year the mayors of Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and Atlantic Beach and the Horry County Council chairwoman formed a group called the Grand Strand Coastal Alliance. Members visited Washington and met with congressional aids in an effort to make Congress realize the importance of their local issues. The group also hired a lobby firm that specializes in beach issues, Marlow & Co., to file paperwork, draft letters and maintain contact with local governments about news on the bill.
"The communities were very active," said Steve Dye, a principal with Marlow & Co. "They came up here and did all the right things. They met with their senators and met with all the members of the delegation."
The Water Resources Development Act has not passed in several years, keeping many related projects on hold. If Congress passes the bill, the Corps will have a green light for getting some of these projects under way.
Source: MyrtleBeachOnline.com
