The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New York District has begun dredging operations at Lake Montauk Harbor in East Hampton, N.Y., with work expected to continue through January 2026.
The federally maintained navigation channel is being dredged to restore safe passage for commercial and recreational fishing vessels, while sand from the project will be used to rebuild eroded beaches west of the harbor’s western jetty, according to the Town of East Hampton.
USACE awarded the construction contract to H&L Contracting LLC on Sept. 18. Work includes deepening the channel from its previous depth of -12’ to -17’ MLLW. USACE said dredged sand will be placed on the shoreline directly west of the inlet jetty, while excavated rock will be transported for disposal at a New York State offshore reef. Once completed, the deeper channel will improve navigation and ensure continued access for commercial, recreational, and Coast Guard vessels, USACE said.
H&L Contracting has mobilized several assets to the site. Equipment reported by the East End Beacon includes the suction dredge Oyster Bay, a 144’x60’ mechanical dredge deck/spud barge, a 30’x90’ excavator barge, and the 130’x40’ Clyde bin wall barge. Tugboats Uncle Bill and Manhasset Bay, along with several skiffs, are assisting in operations.
A discharge pipeline will carry dredged material to the beach disposal area. Submerged sections will be marked with red and green navigation aids and spar buoys equipped with yellow flashing lights. The U.S. Coast Guard has advised mariners to proceed with caution and operate at the slowest safe speed to reduce wake near dredging equipment.
The Town of East Hampton announced on social media that the project, initially facing potential delays due to higher-than-expected bids, moved forward after the town committed $1.1 million from its Host Community Agreement with South Fork Wind to close a federal funding gap.
Work is scheduled for completion by Jan. 31.
