South Summerhaven residents propose phased coastal resiliency plan; commission asks staff to vet costs

Residents and a local resiliency group presented a multi‑phase plan to restore the Summerhaven River and stabilize adjacent beaches, seeking county partnership and initial funding to begin excavation and dune work.

Denise Cochran of the Summerhaven Resiliency Coalition (SHREK) and allied community groups described a history of erosion and sand infilling that has reduced salt marsh and oyster habitat and caused frequent flooding. Presenters said the plan had engineering input and phased work ready for permitting; Phase 1 would excavate sand from the southern river reach to create beach dunes and a protective river berm, and Phase 2 would continue excavation upstream. Community volunteers pledged more than $300,000 and asked the county for an initial $250,000 to retain engineering oversight and begin the first dig.

Brian Love, a local resident involved in the project, outlined community contributions and pledged funds: “We are asking for $250,000 to start the dig,” he said, and described matching community fundraising and technical plans already under review by coastal engineers. Presenters said they had applied for an Army Corps feasibility study and were pursuing federal and state partners.

Commissioners responded positively but urged a staff‑driven checklist of permitting, monitoring and cost verification. Commissioner Christian Whitehurst said, “We’ve gotta get the Summerhaven River flowing as quickly as possible,” and suggested staff and the county’s coastal experts evaluate the proposal and return with numbers. Several commissioners expressed concern about doing the work before the county had fully vetted permits and long‑term maintenance obligations.

Next steps: the board directed staff to work with presenters and county coastal management to validate engineering estimates, permitting requirements and funding paths and to return to the commission with vetted options and a recommended appropriation strategy.