Spring is coming and hopefully so is warmer weather! I don’t know about you, but after what felt like a long winter, I promised myself I will not complain in August when it is 95 degrees with 95% humidity!
Some great events are coming up in our community. I hope you can take part in some or all of what our staff works so hard to bring to you. Please use iop.net for information and updates about what is happening this month and for future events.
Recently the Board of the South Carolina Beach Advocates, which I chair, spent the day in Columbia meeting with various stakeholders to advocate for a consistent annual state funding source for beach preservation, as well as to offer proposals that increase the flexibility of our municipalities to raise revenue. By ensuring multiple funding pathways, South Carolina can ensure the long term health, resilience and prosperity of our state’s beaches.
We met with Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Bruce Bannister, Director of Department of Environmental Services Myra Reece, SCDOT and were introduced on the Senate and House floor by local representatives. It was a long day, but well worth the time.
South Carolina’s beaches are the backbone of the state’s tourism economy, generating nearly $24 billion a year and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. Every $1 the state invests in beach nourishment returns over $1,200 in economic activity and $250 in taxes, while also protecting our coast from storms.
Sand is the fuel for South Carolina beach tourism. Beach nourishment has worked very well here to maintain wide, sandy beaches for tourism and storm protection. Protecting our beaches means protecting one of South Carolina’s greatest assets.
If you happen to be having conversations with any of our State Representatives or feel compelled to contact them, please help support our efforts and the need for sustainable state level support for our coastal communities.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve!
Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP
843-252-5359
ppounds@iop.net