TYBEE ISLAND, GA. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today announced that Tybee Island will receive $12,000,742 in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction funding for beach renourishment, supporting continued efforts to protect Tybee Island’s shoreline, infrastructure, and coastal community.
“Tybee Island is one of Georgia’s greatest treasures, and protecting this community and our coastline has always been a top priority of mine. This $12 million investment will help ensure Tybee’s beaches remain protected, resilient, and ready to withstand the storms and coastal threats that come our way. I am proud to have worked alongside our local, state, and federal partners to continue delivering the resources Tybee Island needs, and I will keep fighting to protect Georgia’s coast for generations to come,” said Rep. Carter.
The $12 million federal contribution will be combined with $8 million contributed by the City of Tybee Island, Chatham County, and the State of Georgia, which combined will allow the Corps to complete a long-planned $20 million nourishment project that will place more than 1.3 million cubic yards of sand on Tybee's beach this winter.
"This announcement is a huge relief for the people of Tybee Island and across Coastal Georgia and the State of Georgia. We can't thank Congressman Carter enough for his tireless advocacy on behalf of all of us," said Tybee Island Mayor Brian West. "Since 1974 we have partnered with the federal government to complete a beach nourishment every seven years, and given the current state of erosion the timing of this project is more critical than ever. This announcement allows the project to continue on schedule, supporting a $200 million economy, critical sea turtle nesting grounds, and our primary protection from ocean storms."
"Across America, communities shouldn't face storm risks while federal funds sit trapped on completed projects. Through our BINP initiative, Army Civil Works freed up $100 million in surplus capital to advance high-priority projects nationwide - including $12 million in shoreline protection for Tybee Island. We are committed to advancing infrastructure projects while safeguarding taxpayer dollars," said Mr. Lee Forsgren, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
The $12,000,742 in Construction funding is being provided through a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reprogramming action for beach renourishment on Tybee Island. The Tybee Island Shoreline Protection Project is a longstanding federal-local partnership that helps reduce coastal storm damage and protect the island’s beaches, infrastructure, and community. The additional funding comes as the existing authorization for the project approaches its expiration, making continued federal support for Tybee Island a priority for Rep. Carter.
