TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. () — Erosion is taking a toll on Tybee’s north end, and city leaders feel now is the time to do something. This winter, the City of Tybee will begin a dune renourishment project to protect homes and businesses.

City officials say the section of the beach on north Tybee Island, near and around where the Byers Street entrance is located, has narrowed dramatically over the past few years. Because this area isn’t covered under federal renourishment programs, the city will be picking up the tab. Leaders told time is of the essence before more damage is done

The City of Tybee has budgeted around $1 million to haul in and rebuild sand dunes on the north end of the Island. The project, expected to begin this winter, will bring in as many as 20 truckloads of sand per day. Crews will reshape and restore dunes that protect homes, condos, and local businesses from storm surge and flooding.

Tybee Island’s Mayor Brian West says while this is a short-term fix, and that long-term options are being studied. One solution includes reusing dredge material from the Savannah River. Environmental monitors will also be on site to protect wildlife during the process.

“This area is crucial because you can see from the dunes that they’re, they’re quickly going away. And we (the City of Tybee) determined that this was a priority project, over a year ago. We started working hard to get it going. This part of the beach isn’t covered by the federal government. They don’t they don’t help us pay for this section of the beach,” explained Mayor West.

Funding comes in part from hotel and motel taxes that are set aside for beach nourishment.
This project follows recommendations from the University of Georgia Marine Science Center, which has been monitoring the erosion.

The city expects minimal disruption, since the work is scheduled during the island’s quieter winter months. City officials will share the full project timeline at a public meeting today at 6 p.m.

Overview of Tybee Dunes Restoration Underway

• $1M project funded by city budget & hotel/motel tax
• 20K cubic yards of sand, 20 trucks/day
• Short-term dune protection; long-term plans in progress
• Work begins this winter, lasts 6–8 weeks
• Likely during January and February
• Trucks will be using Polk Street to bring in the sand