Commissioners approve $140K contract for St. Simons Island tidal pool engineering services

A significant discussion on beach restoration took center stage at the Glynn County Commission meeting on April 3, 2025, as officials addressed the urgent need to tackle the worsening tidal pool situation at East Beach. Commissioner Clark raised concerns over the $140,000 allocated for the project, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the county's beaches, which are vital for both community enjoyment and the local economy.

Rosen Tabard, the director of capital development, provided an update on the project, detailing the two-phase approach being taken. The first phase involved developing management alternatives, while the current phase focuses on permitting and finalizing construction documents. Tabard explained that the plan includes scraping the beach to fill in the tidal pools and potentially importing sand, depending on the findings from ongoing assessments.

Commissioners expressed optimism about securing necessary permits from the Department of Natural Resources and the Army Corps of Engineers, with Tabard confirming that discussions with these agencies are already underway. The project has garnered support at the state level, with hopes for financial assistance from state representatives.

The commission unanimously approved a motion to authorize a purchase order for engineering services related to the tidal pool project, marking a crucial step toward addressing the beach's safety and environmental concerns. As the project progresses, officials anticipate further updates and potential state contributions in the coming days.