Several Projects in Suffolk County Included in the Corps FIMP

Congressman Tim Bishop, Senator Kenneth LaValle, Assemblyman Fred Thiele and Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst applauded the decision of the United States Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a study of the feasibility of elevating Dune Road.

The environmental, economic and engineering assessment will be completed as part of the storm damage reduction component of the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) plan. As part of FIMP, assessments will also be conducted for several other roads in Mastic Beach and other communities in western Suffolk County. Dune Road was added due to the advocacy of Congressman Bishop, Senator LaValle, Assemblyman Thiele, Supervisor Throne-Holst and virtually every elected official in the Town of Southampton.

Senator Ken LaValle said, “The inclusion of Dune Road in the feasibility study is an important step in ensuring access for residents and businesses alike. While this action is positive, I am hopeful that the Army Corps recognizes the significance of having a permanent solution to the flooding problem. I look forward to reviewing the results of the feasibility plan.”

Dune Road is subject to regular tidal flooding and was severely affected by flooding and sand encroachment caused by Superstorm Sandy. Flooding of the road not only cuts off access to the marine infrastructure and small businesses near Shinnecock Inlet, which is New York State’s second most important fishing port, but also homes and municipal infrastructure from Hampton Bays to Westhampton.

Elevating Dune Road will not only alleviate chronically unsafe flooding conditions, but will also improve the barrier island’s resiliency in major storms, reducing the potential for flooding in the populous areas of Hampton Bays, Quogue and Westhampton Beach.

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Press Release, August 27, 2014