Panel working to update SC beach retreat policy - Live5News.com | Charleston, SC | News, Weather, Sports

By BRUCE SMITH
Associated Press Writer

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - For a quarter of a century, South Carolina's stated policy on beachfront management was 1 of retreat - trying to move development away from the shore.

But that hasn't really happened since the law passed in 1988. Now, a blue-ribbon committee reviewing the state's beachfront laws will recommend that instead of retreat, the policy should say the state will simply work to preserve its beaches and dunes.

Wes Jones of Hilton Head Island is chairman of the panel and says that policy better reflects reality along the state's almost 200 miles of beaches.

One recommendation the committee will make is that the baseline that regulates beachfront building never be moved seaward again.

The panel's recommendations must go to the Department of Health and Environmental Control board.

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