Gov. Mark Sanford, who spent his high school years at Beaufort Academy on Lady's Island, recommended again this year that lawmakers withhold state funding for Hunting Island beach beyond a previously allocated $9 million. Last year, Sanford vetoed
$5 million in the state budget for the project, only to be overridden within days by both the House and Senate.
Sanford saw two things wrong with the effort last year. The state had an unconstitutional deficit and needed to spend all money possible to erase it. He also said state money should be spent on more necessary services.
Establishing priorities and spending on necessary services is his theme again this year. To a point, the governor has a point. Medicine for the poor, jobs for the unemployed and under- employed and spending on education are certainly priority items. No one would put sand in front of those priorities.
But Hunting Island State Park's beach is an economic resource, not only in Beaufort County but in South Carolina.
While the governor didn't say cut the funding, he advocates holding the line on state money for the project. But the state also has an obligation to protect and maintain its property. More than 1.2 million people visited the state park in 2003, bringing in
$2.1 million in revenue for the state Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department.
Last year this newspaper opined that the park needs much work. Accelerating erosion in the middle of the island is causing alarm. When the first nourishment was done at the park in 1979, about 150 feet of beach was available at high tide. Today no beach exists at high tide and the tide rips away trees and high ground each year.
The park consists of a beach, maritime forest and marshes, some of the most valuable real estate owned by South Carolinians. It also is the only public beach access in northern Beaufort County. Because it is the only public beach access in northern Beaufort County, not only for county residents but all South Carolinians, it should be preserved as best as is possible.
Hunting Island State Park needs a permanent stream of funds to preserve the beach and rebuild facilities that the ocean has washed away. A way to get the money is a surcharge that could be dedicated to replenishing the sand and restoring buildings. If each of the million visitors a year paid a 50-cent surcharge dedicated to Hunting Island State Park, the state would have a considerable stream of money to rebuild the beach.
When the governor discusses the efficient use of state money this year, he should remind lawmakers and agency heads that the public often is willing to help fund those items that they want. While a surcharge may affect those least able to afford the beach, preservation of the beach and the park may take drastic
measures.