The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in partnership with the Town of East Hampton, recently completed an emergency dredging project in Lake Montauk, ensuring safer navigation and improved harbor access for commercial and recreational boaters, as well as emergency responders.
The dredging project, conducted in February 2025, removed built-up sediment that had made passage increasingly difficult, particularly in the channel leading into the harbor and the Boat Basin near Star Island. Pre-dredging surveys by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found water depths as low as three feet in some areas, well below the authorized project depth of 12 feet. Post-dredging measurements confirm that these critical areas have been successfully deepened, restoring safe passage for vessels of all sizes.
“This project was about more than just removing sediment, it was about restoring a lifeline for our community,” said East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez. “For our commercial fishing fleet, this means safer access to open waters and a more secure future for their businesses. For our recreational boaters, it means less worry about navigating the harbor. And for our first responders, it means having a clear path to reach people in distress when seconds matter. Lake Montauk plays a critical role in our town’s economy and way of life, and this project ensures it remains safe and accessible for everyone.”
The dredging focused on two key areas:
- Reach A (Main Channel): Extending from just outside the West Jetty to the second bend of the channel, this section had become too shallow due to shoaling, with depths as low as three feet in some places. Post-dredging measurements confirm that the channel has been restored to its intended depth, allowing for improved navigation.
- Reach B (Boat Basin): Located near Star Island, this area had significant sediment buildup, with pre-dredging depths between 7.8 and 10 feet. The dredging has increased depths, making the basin more accessible and reducing future maintenance needs.
“Lake Montauk is home to one of the largest commercial fishing fleets in New York, and this project was essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our working waterfront,” said Councilmember David Lys. “Maintaining safe navigational depths is critical not just for our fishing industry, but also for the many recreational boaters, charter operators, and emergency personnel who rely on these waters. ”
Lys praised Colonel Alexander Young of USACE for overseeing the project and “making this emergency dredging effort a priority,” adding, “His understanding of the urgency of this project and the Army Corps’ swift response ensured that our harbor remains a safe and viable hub for all who depend on it.”
Future plans include the fall deepening project, which will bring the channel to a depth of 17 feet to further improve navigational access and long-term harbor stability. Additional details on the project can be found here.