Groundbreaking On Old Ponquogue Bridge Renovations Monday

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — The future is looking bright for the old Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays.

A groundbreaking ceremony for renovations to improve public access will be held Monday at 11 a.m. on the south side of the old Ponquogue Bridge.

Back in May, it was announced that the historic Ponquogue Trestle Bridge, hit hard by storms, was set to receive more than $4.7 million on federal funding for much-needed repairs.

Rep. Lee Zeldin announced that $4,743,060 in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been awarded to the Town of Southampton to repair the historic Old Ponquogue Trestle Bridge that was damaged during Super Storms Sandy and Irene.

The $4.74 million in federal funding represents 90 percent of the cost share with the Town of Southampton to repair the bridge.

"The Old Ponquogue Trestle Bridge was severely damaged during Super Storms Sandy and Irene. The storms caused significant damage to the bridge piers, which is why I have been working closely with the Town of Southampton and FEMA to ensure that the town receives the funding needed to repair the bridge after the town applied for this federal funding in 2014," Zeldin said.

He added that the funding was critical; the historic structure was first built as a drawbridge in 1930.

"The Old Ponquogue Trestle Bridge was not only a common form of transportation for Southampton residents, but is now used for fishing and wildlife enjoyment as well. I am pleased to announce that this federal funding has been awarded, and repairs of the bridge can now begin."

Southampton Town officials hope to conclude the project in the spring.

"I'm very pleased that we were able to receive FMEA funding to repair the old Ponquogue Bridge for use as a fishing pier," said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman.

Photo courtesy of Southampton Town.