The Shinnecock Inlet is set to be dredged, starting in September, with $5.1 million now secured for project costs, according to U.S. Rep. Tim Bishop.
On Friday, Bishop said that the federal dollars were approved through the Army Corps Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies program and the town of Southampton will not have to shell out money for the project.
“This is really fantastic news,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst, noting that the town has been working closely with Bishop for sometime on what she said is a vital issue because of the economic and environmental significance of the inlet.
Bishop said the project will result in a dredging of the inlet with the dredge spoil to be placed on a section of beach known as West of Shinnecock Inlet, which he said is "badly eroded."
“The beach west of Shinnecock Inlet has become dangerously eroded, and securing this funding for a dredge of the inlet will protect the marine infrastructure and restaurants in the area and the more than 500 jobs they support," Bishop said.
The project, according to Bishop, will be completed by January 2013.
