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FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (AP) -- Folly Beach will be feeling the effects of Hurricane Irene well into 2012 if U.S. Rep. Tim Scott's prediction comes true.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports that Scott inspected widespread erosion on Folly Beach Saturday. Although the damage was caused by Hurricane Irene, South Carolina wasn't eligible for federal disaster funds, and Scott told local officials they shouldn't count on that changing next year.

But locals say repairs are urgently needed. Folly Beach County Park, for example, is expected to remain closed all next year. The park draws around 100,000 visitors a year and pumps roughly $500,000 into the local economy.

Scott will try to make a case in Washington that reversing the effects of erosion at Folly Beach is of national economic importance.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)