The local fishermen of the Shinnecock Inlet might soon benefit from millions of dollars in federal funding aimed at scouring the waterway, a measure needed to make the channel safer for fishing vessels. Southampton Town Councilman Chris Nuzzi has asked U.S. Representative Tim Bishop of Southampton to secure funding to dredge and stabilize the inlet and its surrounding areas.
Commenting on that Bishop said that he totally support this initiative, adding that the inlet is a vital component to the economic and recreational health of the East End. He added that this is an economic imperative. It is told that commercial fishing is a huge industry for eastern Long Island. There’s no argument against the importance of this project.
Nuzzi said that over the past three years he has appealed to the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as local, state and federal officials, to maintain the health and safety of the Shinnecock Inlet. He also said that these efforts are vital to the safety of recreational boaters, and those who depend on navigating in and out of the inlet for their livelihood.
It is told that due to the sandy elevations of the inlet’s bottom, vessels that do not catch the high tide must either wait or make the five-hour trek around Montauk through the Shinnecock Canal to reach Shinnecock Bay. Nuzzi informed that he was hoping to capitalize on President-elect Barack Obama’s plan for a stimulus package in getting the funding necessary to dredge the inlet.
Nuzzi is also requesting that funds be made available to re-nourish town beaches, especially in the eastern portion where they play a critical role in the stability of the shoreline.
