Georgetown County begins infrastructure work on South End Beachfront

(WCBD)– Officials in Georgetown County are working to restore a popular parking lot and beachfront access point on Pawleys Island, and officials said several storms have left the area needing significant renovation.

"The Georgetown County parking lot at the south end of Springs Avenue, which is the most considerable public parking lot, will be closed for repairs beginning this Monday, October 21, through almost Christmas time, so it's about a two-month project," said Daniel Newquist, Town Administrator for Pawleys Island.

In 2019, hurricane Dorian significantly damaged Pawleys Island, destroying the beach ramp for people with limited mobility and nearly washing out the entire parking lot.

"The county and our staff must go and maintain multiple times yearly. It'll get rotted and get potholes and things like that, so there will be a resurfaced parking lot with better-delineated parking, so I won't be haphazard," said Newquist.

The project will cost approximately $417,113 to complete, and the funds will go towards a new ADA ramp, a stormwater drainage system, a paved parking lot, and an improved emergency entrance for first responders in hopes of making the area more accessible and accommodating for all. Repair work will run through December.

Officials said they know it will be inconvenient for people in the area. They believe it will be well worth it once complete.

"It was heavily used before, and I think it will be again ..so please, just be a little patient in the off-season. I think folks will be much happier with what we end up with next year," said Beth Goodale, the director of recreation and community services for Georgetown County.

The south-end parking lot along Springs Avenue will be closed from Monday, October 21, until December 21.