Beach Renourishment Funding Assistance Grant Program

The Beach Renourishment Funding Assistance Grant Program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT), a state agency responsible for supporting tourism, recreation, and environmental stewardship across South Carolina. Through appropriations authorized by the state legislature, SCPRT provides financial assistance to support beach renourishment projects that preserve shoreline stability, enhance public access, and protect economic and environmental assets tied to coastal areas. The program operates as an open-cycle funding opportunity, allowing eligible applicants to submit proposals at any time during the active funding period, subject to availability of funds and completion of all required documentation. The primary purpose of this grant program is to fund beach renourishment efforts that restore and maintain coastal beach systems. These projects typically involve the placement of sand or other materials to counteract erosion, stabilize shorelines, and sustain habitats. Funding is limited to hard costs directly associated with the implementation of shoreline stabilization and renourishment activities. The program explicitly excludes administrative, indirect, and preparatory costs such as permit preparation or overhead expenses. Additionally, project sites must be publicly owned and provide full and complete public access in order to qualify for funding, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on public benefit and tourism support. Eligibility for the program is restricted to county governments and municipalities that have an approved Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plan recognized by the state. Applicants must demonstrate readiness and capacity to complete the project, including securing all required permits or showing that permits are likely to be obtained within a defined timeframe. Each project must be submitted as a separate application, and applicants may submit multiple projects concurrently. Applications must include both a physical submission and an electronic PDF version, ensuring accessibility and completeness for review. The application process requires a comprehensive submission package that includes detailed project narratives, engineering studies, budget summaries, and proof of matching funds. Applicants must provide documentation verifying their ability to meet the required cost share, which must be secured prior to submission. Additional required materials include maps, environmental impact discussions, monitoring plans, and evidence of regulatory compliance or permit applications. The application must also include a formal resolution from the applicant’s governing body committing to the project and its funding obligations. Projects are evaluated by a review committee based on several criteria, including environmental impact, public recreation benefits, expected project lifespan, protection of infrastructure and property, and contribution to tourism. Each criterion is scored on a standardized scale, and applications must meet minimum regulatory requirements to be considered. This structured evaluation ensures that funding is directed toward projects that provide meaningful and measurable benefits to coastal communities and ecosystems. The funding structure requires a one-to-one match, meaning that state funds cannot exceed 50 percent of total eligible project costs and must be matched with non-federal local funds. Federal funds cannot be used as matching contributions, and in-kind services are also not eligible. Projects must be completed within 24 months of the grant agreement, and recipients are required to submit quarterly progress reports detailing expenditures and progress. Failure to meet permitting or activity milestones may result in revocation of funds. The current application cycle remains open until June 30, 2026, or until all available funds have been awarded. Although applications are accepted year-round, grant awards are contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds, which may delay award decisions. For program inquiries, applicants may contact SCPRT directly through the designated program manager. The open-cycle structure and recurring nature of appropriations suggest that similar funding opportunities may be offered in future fiscal years, although timelines and funding levels may vary depending on legislative approval.

Emphasize environmental impact, public access, and protection of infrastructure; ensure all permits and matching funds are secured prior to submission; provide detailed and complete documentation to avoid disqualification