Rep. Zeldin Meets with Army Corps of Engineers for Regional Update

WASHINGTON - On Thursday, February 27, 2020, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) met with representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including Commander of the New York District of the Army Corps Colonel Thomas Asbery, to receive an update on the Army Corps’ NY-1 work, after which Congressman Zeldin issued the following statement: 

“Recently, some New Yorkers have shamefully attacked the Army Corps of Engineers for purely political gain, despite the Army Corps’ continued hard work in NY-1, delivering a massive return on our hard earned tax dollars to Washington. In fact, of the $3 billion the Army Corps currently has on hand for the entire New York District, which includes parts of New Jersey, two-thirds of that funding is dedicated to current projects in our district. 

“I’ve had the honor of working closely with the Army Corps throughout my time in Congress to secure approvals and funding for so many important projects, and it’s appalling that some are attempting to manufacture partisan political attacks against the efforts of these hard working men and women. 

“Today, I met with the Army Corps to reiterate the gratitude of the rest of us for their 24/7 operations all up and down our shores. For example, three of the area's dredging projects West of Shinnecock Inlet, Westhampton Beach and Point O' Woods and Ocean Bay Park are all on pace to be completed prior to the contracted completion date. The speed at which these massive projects are moving is truly incredible and it is thanks to the Army Corps’ tireless work.

“Additionally, the ambitious Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) Project covering 83 miles of coastline, almost entirely in NY-1, has now entered the design phase while concurrently going through the final approvals necessary to launch this large construction effort, now estimated at $1.7 billion in federal funds, to massively rebuild our coastline.

“Going forward, my message to anyone trying to knock the Army Corps for what they are championing on our behalf is to stand down. Take off the tin foil hat, let the experts do their job and help rather than work against our best interests.

“My message to the Army Corps of Engineers has and continues to be thank you for everything you are currently working on and will work on going forward on behalf of my constituents and district.”