Posted on February 20, 2025
NEW YORK – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New York District, is deploying the Wilmington District, shallow draft dredge, Murden, to Lake Montauk to conduct vital dredging operations aimed at maintaining safe and efficient navigation for commercial and recreational vessels.
The dredging efforts at Lake Montauk are part of the Corps’ broader mission to enhance maritime navigation and coastal resilience across Long Island. This winter, the New York District has successfully completed several key dredging projects in the region, ensuring navigational channels remain open and safe for commercial fishing fleets, recreational boaters, and emergency response vessels.
“The deployment of Wilmington District’s Murden reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining New York’s vital waterways,” said Colonel Alex Young, Commander, USACE, New York District. “By clearing shoaling and improving navigability in Lake Montauk, we are supporting the local economy, enhancing maritime safety, and reinforcing our dedication to coastal resilience. I also want to particularly recognize the USACE, Wilmington District of the Corps of Engineers, who has been incredible with MURDEN schedule flexibility that has enabled a few days to address the critical situation in Montauk. I also want to thank our North Atlantic Division and recognize the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (Regional Director Cathy Haas and her team) for working with us on the innovative beneficial use of sand via nearshore placement and turning necessary permits within just a couple days. The collaboration and partnership were exceptional here and foundational to our success.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “DEC appreciates the U.S. Army Corps efforts to expedite this important project to support New York’s fishing and boating industries and maintain safe passage in the East End. The dredging project complements Governor Hochul’s ongoing work underway to bolster coastal resiliency throughout the region and will provide significant benefit to Long Island’s economy.”
Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said, “Thanks to the support from USACE as well as our representatives in Congress for this work to combat erosion and bolster coastal storm resiliency. This project maintains safe and enjoyable recreational experiences along Long Island, including many of our state parks. It follows Governor Hochul’s leadership with local and federal agencies to repair shoreline damage on the south shore and our overall commitment to Long Island communities.”
In addition to the Lake Montauk Harbor dredging operation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, has completed or is in construction of 5 additional dredging projects during this 2024-2025 dredging cycle that include both navigation and coastal resiliency projects, for the Fire Island Inlet and Shores Westerly to Jones Inlet Project. The maintenance dredging contract was awarded to Norfolk Dredging Company, initially for $36.9 million, and modified to $44.1 million to include additional work requested by state and local stakeholders to remove approximately 1.5 million cubic yards of sand from Fire Island Inlet. The dredged sand was strategically placed along Gilgo Beach and other coastal areas to combat erosion and bolster coastal storm resiliency.
The dredged sand was strategically placed along Gilgo Beach and other coastal areas to combat erosion and bolster coastal storm resiliency. Additional local dredging efforts funded by the Town of Babylon to place 70,000 cubic yards of sand at Overlook Beach was completed in November 2024, and the Town of Oyster Bay to place 53,000 cubic yards of sand at Tobay Beach which was completed in February 2025. These operations enhance protection for Ocean Parkway, reduce storm risks, and safeguard critical wildlife habitats along the Great South Bay.
About the Murden:
The Murden, designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Marine Design Center in Philadelphia and based out of Wilmington District, North Carolina, is a shallow draft hopper dredge capable of efficiently removing sediment buildup in coastal inlets and harbors. Its design allows it to navigate and operate in areas where larger dredges may be impractical. The vessel plays a crucial role in maintaining access to critical waterways along the Atlantic Coast, including previous dredging efforts in Barnegat Inlet, N.J., and various inlets across Long Island.
About the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District is responsible for a diverse range of engineering projects and services in the New York and New Jersey region. This includes managing water resources, improving public spaces, conducting environmental restoration, and providing critical infrastructure development. Through these initiatives, the New York District plays a vital role in enhancing community resilience, supporting economic growth, and preserving cultural and historical landmarks in the region.
