Beach Aid Approved By House

By Larry Peterson

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The U.S. House has approved more than $6.3 million to replenish Tybee Island’s severely eroded beach with sand.

The money was part of a $516 billion spending measure approved Monday night. The bill was pending late Tuesday in the Senate.

U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, the sponsor of the long-sought funding for beach renourishment, predicted that it will be part of any measure the Senate passes.

“This is huge for Tybee,” Mayor Jason Buelterman said. “It’s a great Christmas present.”

Mr. Buelterman said the city still needs money from other sources, but the federal contribution would make sure the work gets done. He said current plans call for the project to begin in late September 2008, after the end of the turtle-nesting season.

Sand replenishments usually last about seven years, so Tybee’s shoreline, last rebuilt in 2000, is due for more sand.

This year’s tropical storms have scoured Tybee’s shoreline.

The shrinking beaches fuel fears that the area could lose its attraction for tourists who are a mainstay of the local economy.

Mr. Buelterman said recently the eroded shoreline might have been a factor in the five drownings at Tybee this year. Erosion steepens the shoreline and helps create powerful backwashes that can be dangerous, especially for people who can’t swim.

Originally published by Larry Peterson Morris News Service.

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