Emergency Dredge Of Moriches Inlet Moving Ahead

MORICHES, NY — A much-needed emergency dredge of Moriches Inlet, necessary for the vitality of local businesses as well as commercial and recreational fishermen, is moving forward, according to Rep. Lee Zeldin.

This week, Zeldin announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has 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.”

Next, the contractor is expected to mobilize to Moriches Inlet this month and prepare to begin work in the coming weeks, he said. Sand removed from Moriches Inlet will be placed in front of the boardwalk at Smith Point County Park, he said.

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.

Patch file photo.