Beach Nourishment 2026/27

2026 Tybee Island Beach Nourishment Project

The City of Tybee Island is preparing for the next scheduled phase of beach nourishment as part of the Tybee Island Shoreline Protection Project (TISPP), with construction anticipated to begin in 2026–2027. This project is a long-term investment in protecting Tybee Island’s shoreline, infrastructure, natural resources, and coastal way of life.

Why Beach Nourishment Matters

Tybee Island’s beaches serve as the community’s first line of defense against coastal storms, erosion, and flooding. Over time, natural wave action, tides, and storm events gradually wear away sand from the shoreline. Beach nourishment restores lost sand, helping to maintain beach width, protect homes and businesses, preserve wildlife habitat, and ensure continued public access to Tybee’s beaches.

What the Project Includes

The 2026 beach nourishment project will place sand within the federally authorized beach template on the Atlantic Ocean shoreline along Tybee’s Front Beach, from the North Groin to the South Groin.

Sand used for the project will be sourced from an approved offshore borrow area and placed to restore beach elevation and width. Beach nourishment on Tybee Island typically occurs on an approximate seven-year cycle, although future projects may be adjusted based on erosion rates, storm impacts, and available funding.

Environmental Review and Protections

The project has undergone a comprehensive environmental review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Based on this review, the Corps has determined that the project will not result in significant environmental impacts.

Environmental coordination includes protections for sea turtles, shorebirds, marine species, historic resources, and water quality. Avoidance and monitoring measures will be in place during construction to minimize impacts to sensitive habitats and wildlife. The project is also fully consistent with Georgia’s Coastal Zone Management Program.

Community Benefits

The 2026 Tybee Island Beach Nourishment Project will provide wide-ranging benefits for residents, visitors, and the local economy, including:

• Reduced risk of storm damage to homes, businesses, roads, and utilities

• Continued protection of public beach access and recreational areas

• Support for tourism, which is vital to Tybee Island’s economy

• Enhanced resilience to future storms and coastal change

• Preservation of important coastal and marine habitats

Public Input

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting public comments on the project’s Environmental Assessment during a 15-day public comment period from January 10 through January 24, 2026. Community input is an important part of the process and will be considered before final decisions are made.