Funding Secured For Lake Montauk Harbor Dredging: Zeldin

MONTAUK, NY — Rep. Lee Zeldin announced Monday that he's worked to secure $1.9 million in funding for the dredging of Lake Montauk Harbor.

The funding was included in the fiscal year 2018 Army Corps of Engineers work plan, he said.

“Lake Montauk is a critical waterway for our local fishing and recreational boating industries and the Long Islanders whose livelihoods rely on our coastal economy," Zeldin said. "Ensuring the proper maintenance of this important harbor is critical to supporting our community’s vibrant maritime economy and preserving the rich heritage on which it was built.”

New York State Senator Ken LaValle agreed. “The fishing industry is a vital part of the fabric of the East End," he said. "Montauk is one of New York’s largest commercial fishing ports and we must work hard to ensure that it remains viable."

He added that he was pleased that Zeldin was successful in obtaining funding for the dredging of the harbor. "It will go a long way to keep a sustainable and productive commercial fishing industry on Long Island," LaValle said.

East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said, as the largest fishing port in New York State, Montauk serves a key economic role in the seafood and tourism industries. "The safety of all vessels using Lake Montauk and the docks inside the harbor depends on regular dredging, and we look forward to this project," Van Scoyoc said.

Patch file photo.