- Create a Task Force, preferably using some of the same individuals who were effective in 1992 and 2004, i.e., LaJuan Kennedy, Eddie Taylor, Ben Peeples, Jane Theiling, etc. Meet and begin “brain storming” to come up with new ways to approach the Powers that Be to sell them on the need for renourishment, i.e, tourism is the largest industry in South Carolina and only industry in Folly Beach, etc..
- Write initial letters to the Charleston County Delegation stating Folly is fast reaching the point of needing renourishment funds and why and making sure they support us and singing our song. Sample Letter and List of Senators and House reps.
- Prepare map with layers of Mylar which shows the erosion at various intervals over the years. A picture is worth a 1000 words and this was used last time and was very effective.
- Contact other municipalities and request a Resolution from each supporting Folly Beach in its efforts to acquire renourishment funds. Prepare a “Sample Resolution” and send to them which will make it easier for them to put it on their agenda.
- After time has passed whereby the Charleston County Delegation has received the letters, have Task Force with Mayor and appointed Council Member to go to Columbia and meet with all possible to garner support.
- Letters from the city should also be sent to our representatives in Washington and other representatives who would be empathetic to our plight.
- When writing and having dialogue regarding renourishment, use the following when you can:
- Approximately 300 front beach properties, the Tides, and the County Park are in jeopardy. This equates to an exposure to land and improvements in an amount up to $300,000,000 based on current property values and cost of construction;
- Another study by the Corps of Engineers found that renourishment projects, which create wider beaches, reduce property damage from hurricanes and so reduce federal recovery costs.
- Tourism has become the major industry in the State of South Carolina. Beaches are the key to an approximate $15 billion tourism industry. Without the beach, there will be no tourism to support the businesses in Folly Beach. Over 70% of the residences in Folly are rentals and most of these rentals are tourist-related. Also, Folly Beach is the closest beach to downtown historic Charleston. South Carolina depends on tourism as its largest industry; Folly’s only industry;
- Tourism helps the economy by creating jobs and putting money into city, county, and state coffers
- Folly residents have faithfully reserved $150,000 each year to have their funds ready for the next shore protection project. The amount of funds reserved as of August 31, 2011 is $2,560,000.
I am sure the Task Force will bring forward more ideas and when we get them or others we will update this list. For more information download the complete re-nourishment plan here.
