Rep. Zeldin Announces Massive $1.16 Billion in Funded Projects for Next Phase of FIMP

Press Release

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced today that the Army Corps of Engineers' Draft General Reevaluation Report (GRR), which determines what projects will be included in the next phase of the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) Project, will be released in mid-July and contains $1.16 billion in funding for essential dredging and shoreline projects.

Some of the highlights include:

-Beach and dune nourishment throughout the FIMP area, including beaches and waterfront on the Great South Bay, Moriches Inlet, Fire Island, and Westhampton barrier islands, among other locations.

-Dredging to maintain Fire Island Inlet, Moriches Inlet, and Shinnecock Inlet.

-Groin (jetty) modifications at Westhampton and Ocean Beach.

-Raising of 4,000 homes, and road raising in Mastic, NY for 5.9 miles of road to protect 1,054 homes, including Riviera Drive.

-Support of the local management plan of Georgica Pond, and continued erosion protection along Potato Road and Downtown Montauk.

-Construction of dunes on Dune Road and option for a "betterment" project to raise Dune Road.

The plan also includes a variety of coastal and wetland restoration projects that will use the natural environment to reduce flooding, erosion, and storm damage, while also preserving the natural environment and habitat for wildlife. This will be especially beneficial in areas like Mastic Beach where bulkheading or other hard structures are not the solution, and for back bay areas where the loss of wetlands has led to flooding.

Congressman Zeldin said, "Since my first day in Congress 18 months ago, I have been fighting hard to secure the many victories coming to NY-1 as a result of the draft GRR about to be publicly released. I would like to thank the Army Corps of Engineers for their responsiveness and attention to detail in ensuring that the priorities of my constituents received the highest consideration. I look forward to the coming months when district residents have the opportunity to weigh in with their feedback and I look forward to the years ahead as we witness a massive investment of our federal tax dollars being returned to our congressional district in a way never witnessed before."

There will be an environmental review and public comment period including multiple public hearings on Long Island in August. The comment period will close in September, and the final report and EIS will be submitted to the Army Corps Chief for his approval at the end of December 2016.

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