USACE to Release GRR on the Next Phase of FIMP

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Draft General Reevaluation Report (GRR) on the next phase of the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) Project will be released in mid-July.

The announcement was made yesterday by Congressman Lee Zeldin, member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, who said that the Corps GRR, which determines what projects will be included in the next phase of the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) Project, will be released in mid-July.

The FIMP Project contains $1.16 billion in funding for essential dredging and shoreline projects.

Some of the highlights include:

• Beach and dune nourishment throughout the FIMP area, including beaches and waterfront on the Great South Bay, Moriches Inlet, Fire Island, and Westhampton barrier islands, among other locations;
• Dredging to maintain Fire Island Inlet, Moriches Inlet, and Shinnecock Inlet;
• Groin (jetty) modifications at Westhampton and Ocean Beach;
• Raising of 4,000 homes, and road raising in Mastic, NY for 5.9 miles of road to protect 1,054 homes, including Riviera Drive;
• Support of the local management plan of Georgica Pond, and continued erosion protection along Potato Road and Downtown Montauk;
• Construction of dunes on Dune Road and option for a “betterment” project to raise Dune Road.

The plan also includes a variety of coastal and wetland restoration projects that will use the natural environment to reduce flooding, erosion, and storm damage, while also preserving the natural environment and habitat for wildlife.

There will be an environmental review and public comment period including multiple public hearings on Long Island in August.

The comment period will close in September, and the final report and EIS will be submitted to the Army Corps Chief for his approval at the end of December 2016.