Georgetown County’s $37 Million Dredging Project Set to Transform Murrells Inlet’s Waterways Amid Funding and Environmental Concerns

Georgetown County Plans Major Dredging Project for Murrells Inlet

Residents of Murrells Inlet are buzzing with anticipation as officials from Georgetown County announce a substantial $37 million dredging project aimed at revitalizing the area’s waterways. However, the path to making this happen is not without its bumps.

Funding Hurdles Ahead

As ambitious as this plan is, it’s clear that county leaders are still searching for a bit more financial backing. According to reports, Georgetown County has already racked up over $14 million in state funds to kick off the design and permitting phase. But that’s just the beginning! Earlier this month, they reached out to local state representatives for additional help in securing another $12.7 million.

Ray Funnye, the county’s public services director, summed it up best when he said, “It’s very expensive, very tedious work.” The county is putting up $5 million of its own funds for the project and is hopeful that neighboring Horry County will step in with another $5 million. This project isn’t just a one-time gig; regular dredging should really be happening every 10 to 15 years to keep the waterways safe and navigable.

Why Dredging is Important

The dredging plan aims to clear out sediment buildup in Murrells Inlet’s creeks and small waterways, a necessity for the smooth sailing of both commercial fishing boats and recreational vessels alike. The channels affect local livelihoods and the summer fun of residents, not to mention the impact on tourism. Funnye mentioned that this time around, the scope of the project is much larger than past efforts. “This project is a lot more comprehensive,” he stated. It will tackle more of the intricate waterways than previous dredging efforts have.

Environmental Concerns Are At Play

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Some local environmentalists are voicing their worries about the overall impact this could have on the ecosystem of Murrells Inlet. The S.C. Environmental Law Project, represented by attorney Monica Whalen, is particularly concerned about how this dredging could affect delicate oyster beds and salt marshes vital to the local ecosystem. “They’re both so vital to the ecosystem,” Whalen pointed out, warning that damaging these areas could lead to significant disadvantages for the entire ecosystem.

Some channels in the inlet haven’t been dredged in years, and environmentalists like Whalen hope that the dredging won’t occur in sensitive spots. Additionally, there’s concern about where all that dredged material would go. The current plan involves a nearshore disposal system, which means the dredged materials would be dumped in the ocean near the shoreline. Whalen expressed some skepticism, saying “I don’t feel that at least the public notice provided enough reassurance that this method will not have any unintended consequences.”

Collaboration is Key

Despite the concerns, Funnye reassured the public that the county is committed to working alongside various agencies to minimize any environmental harm. “We will work closely with outside agencies to mitigate environmental harm,” he said, hoping to strike a balance between navigation needs and ecological protection.

As the project gears up, residents in Murrells Inlet and the surrounding areas will be watching closely to see if funding can be secured and if concerns around the environment can be satisfactorily addressed. With late December weather forecasted to be on the milder side—hovering around a pleasant 70°F in the daytime—everyone is hoping the upcoming months will usher in good news for both boaters and eco-friendly advocates alike.

With foggy mornings turning to partly cloudy days, it seems there’s a bright silver lining on the horizon for the waterways of our beloved Murrells Inlet.