On Friday, December 13, Beaufort County, the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Marine Corps Air Station joined other project supporters, community partners, and contractors to mark the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Laurel Bay Pathway Project. This new public pathway seamlessly connects Laurel Bay Housing to the Marine Corps Air Station, creating a convenient route for residents, personnel, and those utilizing the trail for recreation. Funded by a match from the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs and funds from the 2018 One Cent Sales Tax, this project’s completion marks a celebratory milestone.

The Laurel Bay Pathway offers a secure route for daily commutes and recreational activities. Crosswalk improvements and sidewalk additions now allow increased connectivity to essential commercial centers for those without access to motor vehicles, opening more options for safe utilization of the Spanish Moss Trail. By directly connecting to the established trail, this pathway strengthens the connection between MCAS, Laurel Bay, and the surrounding community.

Speakers at the ribbon cutting ceremony included Beaufort County Assistant County Administrator Jared Fralix, Beaufort County Councilman Gerald Dawson, SC Military Base Task Force Representative Col. Neal Pugliese, and MCAS Beaufort Commanding Officer Col. Mark Bortnem.

Beaufort County would like to express its gratitude to everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition. From dedicated County staff and the leadership of our Military Commanding Officers to the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs and our contract engineers, this was a monumental effort that was years in the making. It is our hope that this project will serve our community for years to come.

The ribbon cutting ceremony may be viewed in its entirety on Beaufort County TV's Youtube Channel.