Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01) announced today that following weeks of persistent engagement, he has secured a commitment from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to begin emergency dredging at Montauk Inlet as early as February 14. This commitment follows multiple meetings, culminating in a Zoom meeting today where LaLota pressed for immediate action to remove hazardous shoals threatening both safety and Montauk’s maritime economy. LaLota has been working across all levels of government to expedite this critical maintenance, regularly coordinating with the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association and other stakeholders affected by dangerously shallow waters.

“This commitment from the Army Corps of Engineers is a victory for Montauk’s commercial and recreational fishermen, local businesses, and our regional economy. Hazardous shoaling poses serious safety and economic risks, and an emergency dredge is absolutely necessary to protect jobs, livelihoods, and safe navigation,” said LaLota. “I’ve been in direct contact with the Army Corps, the Suffolk County Executive’s office, and local fishermen to cut through red tape and get this project moving. Now, we are on track for a swift resolution that supports Long Island’s maritime economy.”

Background:

Over time, shoaling has dangerously reduced the depth of Montauk Inlet, making it increasingly unsafe for large commercial fishing vessels to navigate and dock. As a result, many fishermen have been forced to dock in Port Judith, Rhode Island—taking them away from home and hurting Montauk’s local fishing industry.

Originally, the Inlet was scheduled to be dredged to a depth of 17 feet last year, but repeated delays have pushed the project back to November or December of this year. Now, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has confirmed that the planned emergency dredge to 12 feet will not interfere with the larger project.

Two weeks ago, USACE conducted a site survey and verified the severity of the shoaling. They have since secured the necessary funding and authorities and will deploy the USACE Dredge Murden—a 156-foot, 550-ton vessel currently in the region—to carry out the emergency dredging and restore safer navigation conditions as quickly as possible.