NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The South Carolina Conservation Bank has awarded the City of North Myrtle Beach $510,000 towards an effort to save Ingram Dunes, according to a city spokesman.
The Ingram Dunes stretch more than nine acres across North Myrtle Beach. The undeveloped dunes are said to be the oldest and highest dunes on the coast of South Carolina.
A developer wants to build more than 30 homes on the land, but the city of North Myrtle Beach is attempting to purchase the land in an effort to preserve it. Local environmental groups, inluding Preserve Ingram Dunes, have worked to raise money towards the purchase price.
“The landowner(s) have an asking price of $3.1 million,” City of North Myrtle Beach Spokesman Pat Dowling said.
In addition to the $510,000 grant from the South Carolina Conservation Bank, the city has pledged $500,000 towards the land and has received about $40,000 in private donations. At last check, Preserve Ingram Dunes has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the purchase of the dunes, as well.
