New York's Senator
CHARLES E. SCHUMER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 30, 2000

SCHUMER: MONTAUK LIGHTHOUSE EROSION CONTROL STUDY TO BEGIN IMMEDIATELY

Schumer Announces Federal Funding To Complete Coastal Erosion Study During Tour of Historic Lighthouse

Standing in front of Long Island's most treasured landmark, US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that $287,000 in federal funding necessary to complete an erosion control study of the Montauk Point Lighthouse in on its way and that the study will begin immediately. Schumer helped ensure that the funding would be included in the FY01 VA-HUD Appropriations Bill.

"The Montauk Lighthouse has stood atop Montauk Point as Long Island's most recognizable and cherished landmark for more than 200 years," said Schumer. "This funding will allow the Army Corps to determine the best way to ensure that it remains standing for another 200."

The Montauk Point Lighthouse, which was commissioned by President George Washington in 1796 and built on the easternmost point of Long Island, has long been beset by erosion problems. While the Montauk Historical Society has succeeded in stabilizing the Lighthouse in the short term, a long term solution is necessary to permanently protect the site from erosion.

The federal funding will help the Army Corps of Engineers conduct a year-long feasibility study to determine how to protect the Lighthouse from coastal erosion. Specifically, the study will focus on how maintain the long-term structural integrity of the 1,400-foot revetment that currently protects the bluff on which the Lighthouse sits from the Atlantic Ocean. The $287,000 announced by Schumer today represents the final federal funding commitment needed to start the study.

Schumer also stressed the need to protect the nearby Plum Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1827 and sits an a bluff that is also threatened by coastal erosion. Schumer said that he has been working with the Army Corps and US Department of Agriculture to determine what measures can be taken in the near future.

Schumer announced the funding for Montauk Lighthouse after taking a tour of the structure with Tom Ambrosio, Executive Director of the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum, Cliff Jones from the Army Corps of Engineers, and Greg Donohue, an expert on the Lighthouse's erosion control efforts.

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