Tybee Island not selected for $12M federal beach funding, erosion raises concerns with locals

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - In the past six years Tybee Island has lost 60% of its shoreline.

This week the island is learning it will not receive federal funding to help restore their beaches.

High tide will show you just how much of the beach Tybee has lost.

For those who call the island home, the state of the shore is alarming.

“If we don’t take care of our beaches, they are going to disappear,” said Jim Dawson, Tybee resident.

The $12,000,000 grant Tybee was expecting is instead going to New Jersey to help repair its shore.

Residents we spoke with are not upset that another beach will be getting the assistance.

However, locals say they are disappointed that there isn’t enough funding to go around.

“I’m disappointed particularly since the money is there, it’s just not being spent correctly,” said Dawson.

We spoke with tourists who make annual stops at Tybee, and they said in recent years the receding shoreline has been noticeable.

Although they say it will not stop their trips, it is concerning.

“I feel like it’s just gotten way small, I mean I don’t really know what’s going on, but, I mean it’s not good,” said Brady Gais, annual visitor.

Mayor Brian West says he shares the disappointment in the funding decision.

Tybee Island has put eight million dollars into the renourishment.

He says they are looking for alternate ways to restore the beaches without the federal funding.

The day to day state of the beaches depends on tides.

Throughout the summer, the city will give residents and tourists recommendations on which beaches to hit and which ones to avoid.

West says the beaches remain open and functioning.

“People can still come and do that, there’s still beach here, we’re just going to have to help navigate you know where the beaches are going to be where they can come and stay for the day,” said West.

If you’re coming out for a beach day on Tybee, Mayor West asks that you pick up after yourself, and of course stay off the dunes.