Isle of Wight County is looking to start the second phase of its Tyler’s Beach rehabilitation project in early 2021.

The first phase, which was completed in early 2020, consisted of creating a master plan for the site, environmental study and the removal of debris and derelict boats. The second will consist of obtaining Army Corps of Engineers permits for all future site developments, including the replacement of the public boat ramp and bulkhead and replacing the existing dock with a floating one with finger slips.

Isle of Wight’s approved 2020-2021 budget includes $110,000 for the second phase. According to David Smith, Isle of Wight County’s director of parks and recreation, the first step in the process will be for the county to hire a contractor to help administer and submit the permit applications.

“That should take place in the next few weeks,” he said.

Smith couldn’t provide an estimate on when the second phase might be complete or when actual construction of the proposed new facilities would begin, but said, “The good thing with the permitting is that it will provide approval and lock these future improvements in when funding becomes available.”

Once the improvements are completed, Tyler’s Beach will have 21 boat slips available for rent, large enough to accommodate commercial watermen and recreational boats.