The Army Corps of Engineers has awarded the first contract of the Fire Island to Montauk Point reformulation project (FIMP), to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, for nearly $47.5 million, a milestone toward getting the long-delayed project under way.
The corps had repeatedly assured East Hampton Town officials that downtown Montauk would be the first component of the FIMP project, but earlier this year announced that the town is not slated to see renourishment of the ocean beach until 2023.
Instead, the first construction contract will cover the dredging of Fire Island Inlet and sand placement at Gilgo Beach and Robert Moses State Park. The Army Corps formally began the bid solicitation process on July 1 and began opening the bids early last month.
The multibillion-dollar FIMP project includes dredging and shoreline projects spanning 83 miles of Long Island coastline. It includes coastal and wetland restoration to reduce flooding, erosion, and storm damage while preserving the natural environment and wildlife habitat. It also promotes coastal management initiatives for the bay side of the barrier beaches.
