TOBAY Beach to Be Replenished with 90,000 Tons of Sand
Members of the Oyster Town Board recently met with representatives from state and federal government to oversee work being done at TOBAY Beach, where the United States Army Corps of Engineers has been replenishing the shoreline through a dredging project off the Fire Island inlet. Contractors have worked around the clock to pump 90,000 tons of sand back to the beach, helping to safeguard the shoreline from storms and tidal surges while also protecting critical infrastructure, including the main pavilion and access roadway.
For the past several years, town officials have spent millions of dollars rebuilding the beach and stabilizing the dunes against erosion. A critical public access point to the shoreline, TOBAY Beach is located in the middle of Jones Beach Island, a barrier island off the south shore of Long Island. The beach suffered a direct hit from Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and serves as a critical asset toward protecting the mainland, its property and population.
“Our shoreline has taken a beating over the past few years, as Mother Nature has been relentless eroding our beaches and putting our infrastructure at risk,” said Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We all know how much TOBAY Beach means to our residents, which is why we’ve worked diligently every summer to rebuild the shoreline by trucking in thousands of yards of clean sand to shore up the coastline. Simultaneously, we knew it was necessary to develop both short-term and long-term solutions, and asked our state and federal representatives for assistance.”
“This betterment project undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers is a fantastic example of cutting the red tape and finding solutions to restore the shoreline, protect critical infrastructure, and strengthen defensive dunes,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “I convened the Army Corps of Engineers and the T=towns to find a solution for these beaches, and I am happy to see this project — that will revitalize Tobay and Gilgo beaches — get done at limited cost to our towns and taxpayers.”
“This $1.69 million investment in Tobay Beach will strengthen the shoreline, safeguard homes and businesses, and ensure families can enjoy the beach this summer,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “A more resilient, sustainable coast means stronger communities and a protected natural landscape. My administration stands with Long Island in preserving its future.”