KIAWAH ISLAND — After nearly two decades of legal wrangling, the saga of Captain Sams Spit — possibly one of the most controversial pieces of land along South Carolina’s coast — is set to come to an end.

The agreement, not yet finalized, would put to bed two lawsuits, potentially head off a controversial inlet relocation proposed by Seabrook Island, and ensure the Spit would be protected and publicly accessible in perpetuity.

The settlement agreement was inked by a private developer which once sought to build 50 luxury homes on the Spit (Kiawah Partners), three local groups (the town of Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island Community Association and Conservancy of the Sea Islands) and the State of South Carolina.