Posted on August 21, 2018
Rep. Lee Zeldin gave an update on the much-needed Moriches Inlet emergency dredging project Thursday.
Earlier this year, Zeldin called for the dredging of Moriches Inlet and Long Island Intracoastal Waterway after a series of winter storms. Zeldin recently secured the approval of and $12.25 million in funding for an emergency dredge of Moriches Inlet.
On Wednesday, the contractor’s survey vessel for the Moriches Inlet emergency dredge arrived on site and commenced work on the dredging project. The next step will include placing 750 foot long submergible pipe for the several mile distance between Moriches Inlet and the Smith Point County Park location that Zeldin secured to strengthen the beach in front of the boardwalk and increase its size. Once the pipe for the Moriches Inlet dredging has been placed, 10,000 cubic yards per day will be dredged from the inlet 24/7, he said.
Last month, Zeldin announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had awarded the contract to carry out the emergency dredge to Weeks Marine of Cranford, NJ.
“The awarding of the contract to carry out the emergency dredge of Moriches Inlet is great news for our coastal economy, commercial and recreational fishermen and all whose livelihoods rely on the vitality of our communities’ waterways,” said Zeldin. “I will continue to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and all affected by the deteriorated state of Moriches Inlet to complete this emergency dredge.”
In March, Zeldin was joined by a large contingent of elected officials, small business owners, mariners and fishermen, all of whom cried out for the need for an emergency dredge. Zeldin and others pointed out the inlet’s dangerous navigational conditions.
In April, Zeldin worked with the Commander of the U.S. Army Corps New York District Colonel Thomas Asbery to receive a needed emergency declaration from the Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division Brigadier General William Graham; the emergency declaration kick started the process of coordinating funding and permits so dredging vessels can begin work.
In June, Zeldin secured $12.25 million in federal funding to complete the emergency dredge of Moriches Inlet.
On Thursday, Zeldin also announced that he had secured $3 million in federal funding for a dredge of Long Island’s intracoastal waterway.
Source: Center Moriches Patch
