WASHINGTON – RealEstateRama – Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $30.7 million contract to H&L Contracting of Bayshore, New York, to restore and protect the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse, located on the easternmost point of Long Island. The two-year project to safeguard the landmark lighthouse from shoreline erosion is expected to start this spring.
Montauk Point Lighthouse, the first lighthouse built in New York State, is a National Historic Landmark on the Federal and State Registers of Historic Places. The lighthouse was commissioned by George Washington and constructed in 1796 roughly 300 feet from the receding edge of the bluff. Over the years, the site has become increasingly dangerous and less stable for visitors to the structures at this Long Island destination. Today, this landmark sits less than 100 feet from the receding edge of the bluff and its deteriorating stonework revetment is the only thing left protecting the lighthouse from being lost to the ocean due to erosion.
The total project is anticipated to cost $30.7 million and will consist of an 840-foot revetment with a 73-year level of protection for the lighthouse. To protect the lighthouse from bluff failure, 15-ton armor stone will be added to the existing five-to-10-ton stone revetment.
In addition to federal funding, costs are shared by the project’s sponsors. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committing $15.4 million in NY Works funding as the project’s non-federal sponsor. The local sponsor, the Montauk Historical Society, will maintain the site after construction is complete. These investments will protect the various cultural resources associated with the lighthouse complex and help stabilize the natural environment to support the site’s continued use as a tourism attraction.
“For hundreds of years, the Montauk Lighthouse has stood tall as a regional icon. As a cultural and historic landmark, it is the pride and joy of so many Long Islanders and inspires awe in the many visitors who come to admire it each year,” said Congressman Zeldin. “This critical project is an investment in the future of the Montauk Lighthouse, ensuring that it will continue to shine for generations to come by bolstering the shoreline that it calls home.”
“The Montauk Point Lighthouse is the historic gem of Long Island. For decades it has served as a beacon for mariners and facilitated the commerce that made New York State one of the most prosperous States in the Union. The complex nature of restoring this historic icon is a task our Nation’s Army Engineers are well suited for,” said Colonel Matthew Luzzatto, commander, USACE, New York District. “We look forward to making sure this important part of American History remains a symbol of our strength and American military engineering excellence for the next 100 years.”
“This milestone is a testament to all the hard work done by our vertical team at New York District and our partners at the State of New York, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation,” said Frank Verga, project manager, USACE, New York District. “We anticipate getting shovels in the ground as soon as possible to start the work to enhance and protect this National Treasure.”
