New York Construction Report staff writer
In the wake of significant storm damage and erosion from recurring coastal storms, $3.5 million in state funding has been announced for Tobay and Overlook beaches as work begins to further strengthen the south shoreline of Long Island. Along with local towns and a partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the work is made possible through a multi-million dollar investment to protect and support the Long Island shoreline.
“The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and this ongoing collaboration will build stronger, safer Long Island beaches,” said Governor Hochul. “We want to ensure that the communities and infrastructure along the coastline are well protected and that this effort will help curtail further erosion.”
Work will repair shoreline damage and safeguard important recreational areas and create jobs to stimulate local economies.
Key fortification efforts will include the dredging of Fire Island Inlet and the placement of approximately 1.25 million cubic yards of sand at Gilgo State Park, Tobay Beach, and Overlook Beach. These areas are critical for protecting the mainland communities of western Suffolk County.
In January, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved emergency rehabilitation assistance to expedite the repair of coastal damage. Several Coastal Storm Risk Management Projects along Long Island’s south shore are also set to benefit from this investment.
“This investment is crucial for protecting our beaches and the communities that depend on them.” Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino added, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for prioritizing the restoration of Tobay Beach.”
A broader resiliency plan was approved earlier this year, which includes $435 million in the Executive Budget proposal to safeguard New Yorkers from extreme weather.
