Patchogue, NY - July 17, 2018 - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded the contract to carry out the emergency dredge of Moriches Inlet to Weeks Marine of Cranford, New Jersey.
“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 Congressman Lee 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.”
The next step is that the contractor is expected to mobilize to Moriches Inlet this month to prepare to begin work throughout the weeks thereafter. Sand removed from Moriches Inlet will be placed in front of the boardwalk at Smith Point County Park per Congressman Zeldin’s request.
In March, Rep. Zeldin was joined by local elected officials, small businesses, boaters and fishermen in calling for an emergency dredge of Moriches Inlet during which Congressman Zeldin joined local fishermen to survey the inlet’s dangerous navigational conditions first-hand.
In April, Rep. Zeldin worked with the Commander of the U.S. Army Corps New York District, Colonel Thomas Asbery, to receive the needed Emergency Declaration from the Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division Brigadier General William Graham, granting Rep. Zeldin’s request to perform emergency dredging of the Moriches Inlet. This emergency declaration began the process of coordinating funding and permits so dredging vessels can begin work.
In June, Rep. Zeldin secured $12.25 million in federal funding to complete the emergency dredge of Moriches Inlet.
Additional information is available here.