The Shinnecock Inlet is set to be dredged, starting in September, with $5.1 million now secured for project costs.
U.S. Rep. Tim Bishop said that the federal dollars were approved through the Army Corps Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies program and the town of Southampton will not have to shell out money for the project.
“ This is really fantastic news,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst . “ We have been working closely with the Congressman for months to make our case to the Army Corps about the importance of investing in the Shinnecock Inlet, and the urgency of doing so quickly. I cannot thank him enough for his advocacy on our behalf. This was clearly a priority issue for him because he understands the vital economic and environmental significance of the Inlet and its neighboring docks and businesses to the surrounding community and regional fishing industry.”
“In times like these when Federal monies are so limited, the ability to prevail in securing this level of funding is a testament to the good work our Congressman, ” she said.
Bishop said the project will result in a dredging of the inlet with the dredge spoil to be placed on a section of beach known as West of Shinnecock Inlet, which he said is “ badly eroded .”
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Dredging Today Staff, June 5, 2012;