Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point (FIMP) Questions & Answers
What does the Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point (FIMP) Project consist of?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), proposes the following work: Inlet management; beach, dune and berm construction; breach response plans; raising and retrofitting 4,400 homes; road-raising; groin modifications; and coastal process features.
Why is this project being done?
Fire Island and Long Island’s south shore communities have repeatedly suffered significant flooding and damage to homes and infrastructure from severe storms. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused severe and substantial damages due to erosion and flooding. As a result, there were three (3) breaches of the barrier island, more than 50 percent (4.5 million cubic yards) of pre-storm sand volume on Fire Island was lost. This project will reduce risks of flooding and damage from future storm events.
How much will it cost? Who is paying for it?
The initial construction is expected to cost $1.2 billion. It is 100% funded by the federal government through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 (PL 113-2), providing funds to restore areas significantly impacted by Hurricane Sandy. After completion, future renourishment(s) would be cost-shared between the Corps of Engineers, New York State and local municipalities.
Which parts of the shoreline are impacted?
83 miles along the Atlantic Coast shoreline from Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point, and 200+ miles of back-bay shoreline along Long Island’s south shore, including Great South Bay, Moriches Bay and Shinnecock Bay.
Which communities are involved?
In Suffolk County, portions of the Towns of Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Southampton and East Hampton, 12 incorporated villages along Long Island’s south shore (mainland), Fire Island National Seashore, and the Poospatuck and Shinnecock Indian Reservations.
Where can I find additional information?
The FIMP page of New York District’s website: www.nan.usace.army.mil/FIMP. On the menu at left, click on ‘Main Page.’ Then scroll half-way down. Here you’ll find links to downloadable PDF files of the Hurricane Sandy Draft General Re-evaluation Report (HSGRR), Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and appendices with supporting information.
I have concerns about the project. Who can I contact?
The public comment period has been extended until October 19, 2016, providing additional time for residents to provide feedback. Send comments to: Robert Smith, project biologist: Robert.j.smith@usace.army.mil or Mark Lulka, project manager: mark.f.lulka@usace.army.mil.
Why can’t the Corps of Engineers provide a larger project for Downtown Montauk?
The Corps of Engineers is bound by federal law as it applies to using taxpayer funds to construct projects. Every part of a proposed project must be economically justified ― benefits must outweigh costs. For FIMP, providing 120,000 cubic yards of sand for the shoreline at Downtown Montauk is the plan that provides the greatest benefits relative to the cost. The New York District continues working with officials from the Town of East Hampton to ensure their site-specific information is incorporated into the design and evaluation of plans for Downtown Montauk.
What’s the next step in the process?
After the public comment period closes October 19, 2016, the Corps of Engineers will review public feedback and consider that information in developing a final report. The final report, anticipated in early 2017, is then submitted to Corps Headquarters in D.C. for approval by the Assistant Secretary of the Army. Upon approval, the specifications and design phase will begin.
When will the home-raising and retrofits begin?
Each of the 4,400 structures will be individually evaluated by an engineer and inspector, an extensive effort requiring a great deal of coordination. This work has to happen prior to construction, and the schedule reflects this with construction anticipated in 2020. (Note: This program is voluntary; homeowners can opt out if they wish.)
How can I find out if my home is included for raising or retrofitting?
In general, structures in the 10-year floodplain have been included in the draft report. After a final report is completed in early 2017, we’ll update the number to reflect changes since the draft. If the proposed project is approved, representatives from New York State and the Corps of Engineers will work with local municipalities to initiate information sessions for residents and implement plan details. Design improvements will be house specific and reflect the latest condition and details. Refinements to design are made as close as possible to the time of construction to be as detailed as possible.