|
For more than 50 years, CCOM fought for Montauk’s land waters coastline and environment, and since Superstorm Sandy, we have helped lead coastal resiliency efforts here. CCOM joined our government and community partners last Friday, August 9, to celebrate a great win, as Governor Hochul announced increased resiliency efforts to protect Long Island from extreme storms and then presented East Hampton Town (EHT) with $2.5 million to rebuild and strengthen Ditch Plains Beach and protect the Ditch Plains community.
This funding is focused on recovering the dunes to protect the residents of Ditch from breaches, flooding, and damage to nearly 400 homes and infrastructure. This phase is crucial for ensuring the recovery of the coastline and will be designed by the engineering firm Coastal Science & Engineering, Inc. A total of $1.75 million was already allocated by EHT in the capital budget for both phases of this project and a request for matching funds was sent to New York State to assist with the costs a few months ago.
The funding is announced ahead of an anticipated ‘above average’ hurricane season and builds on the Governor’s comprehensive resilience plan to protect New Yorkers from extreme weather events.
CCOM also calls out the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Director, Cathy Haas at the DEC and Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker for their tremendous work and advocacy on Montauk’s behalf. EHT Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez responded quickly and scientifically by getting sand onto our beaches in June will next construct the dune system at Ditch Plains later this year.
This momentous occasion was held at Montauk Downs with Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez and EHT Board, members of the EHT Trustees, Southampton Town Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, State Senator Anthony Palumbo, Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. and County Legislator Ann Welker were in attendance. Governor Hochul invited EHT, CCOM, and the Montauk Chamber of Commerce to speak at the podium.
Governor Hochul also acknowledged and shook hands with CCOM’s STEAM Club, who call themselves, “The Young Filmmakers of Montauk,” who made a video of the devastation at Ditch Plains, with their teacher Jody Kennedy and help from the Montauk School. That plea for help was heard by our government partners who heard all of us and took action.
See media coverage:
| 
