USACE moves forward with critical emergency repairs for Fire Island

The New York District of USACE received funding for the planning and design of an emergency sand placement on Fire Island on Long Island (50 miles east of New York) following a series of powerful winter storms that severely eroded the Corps' coastal projects and protective dunes.

Commenting on the latest news, New York District Commander, Colonel Alexander Youngsaid: “We are pleased to move forward with these critical emergency repairs for Fire Island communities at risk of flooding and storms. All processes are accelerated to restore coastal areas as soon as possible.

Last month, New York State leaders visited Fire Island and met with residents of several waterfront communities, providing updates on the planned sand replenishment and a question-and-answer session.

Next, they visited areas of the coastline that have been severely eroded, leaving nearby homes and structures vulnerable.

Sand placement is expected this fall, USACE said.

The work will cover approximately 44,000 linear feet ─ nearly 9 miles ─ and will include five communities: Seaview, Ocean Bay Park, Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines and Davis Park.

It is estimated that 1.7 million cubic meters of sand will be needed to complete the project.

The sand is expected to come from an approved offshore borrow area, located one mile offshore (Atlantic Ocean), where New York already has a dredging permit.