FIRE ISLAND, NY — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New York District, has awarded a $41.2 million contract to Weeks Marine, Inc. for the Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point (FIMP) Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. The contract will focus on the Westhampton and Cupsogue sections of Fire Island, located on the bay side of the Central Pine Barrens Forest Preserve.
“[This] $41.2 million contract award brings us another step closer to replenishing our beaches and enhancing the coastal resilience of Long Island to protect communities and ensure the integrity of the island’s south shore. I’ve worked hard to secure these critical federal funds for Long Island, and I applaud the Army Corps for their commitment to building resilient shorelines,” U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said. “I thank Brigadier General Lloyd, Colonel Young and his team at the Army Corps for their work, and I will continue to advocate for continued help across Long Island as it relates to coastal storm risk management.” “This contract marks a significant step forward in protecting the Fire Island shoreline and our coastal communities from the ongoing threat of severe storms," U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said. "This vital investment will strengthen our natural defenses and enhance the long-term resilience of Westhampton and Cupsogue. I am grateful for the dedication and expertise of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in leading this critical work to safeguard the homes, businesses, and natural habitats that make Long Island's coast so unique." “The Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point project is critical to safeguarding Long Island’s coastline and the communities that call it home," said Colonel Alex Young, Commander, USACE, New York District. "By partnering with NY DEC and local stakeholders and leveraging our expertise in coastal storm risk management, we’re taking significant steps to reduce the impact of erosion and coastal storms. This contract award is a testament to our commitment to building resilient shorelines and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region. We look forward to the progress that will come from this important phase of the project.”
“Protecting New Yorkers is my top priority, and these critical resiliency projects will help safeguard Long Island's communities, homes, and infrastructure from the damage caused by coastal storms and extreme weather," New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said. "I’m thankful for this investment by the Army Corps of Engineers and remain committed to continuing our close partnership to further protect the region.”
“Protecting Long Island’s coastal communities is a priority for Governor Hochul and as the non-federal sponsor of the project, DEC is working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reduce flood risk impacts after severe storm events," said Sean Mahar, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner. "DEC is proud to be the state partner in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-led projects with federal and local leaders working to meet the challenges of our changing climate head-on and improving the resiliency in the communities from Fire Island to Montauk Point.”
The FIMP project is a critical component of ongoing efforts to mitigate coastal storm damage along 83 miles of Long Island’s south shore, which stretches from Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point. Over the years, severe erosion has devastated residential areas, impacted shorefront communities, and adversely affected national economic development in the region.
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This contract is part of the broader FIMP initiative aimed at reducing risks associated with coastal storms, replenishing beaches, and enhancing ecological resilience. Key project elements include inlet sand bypassing, beach and dune nourishment, groin modifications, coastal process restoration, nonstructural measures, and adaptive breach response plans for barrier islands.
The FIMP project, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the National Park Service, and other partners, is currently in the design and construction phase and plays a vital role in protecting Long Island's shoreline, promoting natural coastal processes, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its coastal environment.
