The Jekyll Island Authority is raising the price it charges motorists to access the public resort. It's one of several developments that came Monday at a meeting of the island's state-appointed board.

Starting August 1st, it'll cost $5.00 to drive on Jekyll Island. It's currently $3.00.

Board members hiked the rates to align the island's parking fee with that of Georgia's separate state park system. State park entrance fees also went up from $3.00 to $5.00 a few months ago. The move will generate about a million dollars at a time when the island's revenues are down.

Also Monday, board members unveiled details of a massive re-design of the island's main public areas. When it's done, drivers will see the beach more quickly as they come onto the island. The design also spares trees from demolition.

At least one critic of more development on Jekyll Island greeted the designs with conditional praise, but voiced concerns about the increased entrance fee at a time when visitors will be greeted with construction.

Tags: construction, Jekyll Island, Jekyll Island Authority, driving, beach, parking fee, state park