The Town of East Hampton signed the Project Partnership Agreement for the Montauk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project, a key component of the Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point (FIMP) Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. A special ceremony was held on October 24.
The signing marks the start of a 30-year partnership among federal, state, and local governments to protect downtown Montauk from coastal storm damage, strengthen the dunes, and preserve public access to the shoreline. The agreement was executed by the Town of East Hampton and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with participation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which will oversee implementation.
Under the newly signed agreement:
- The Town of East Hampton will reimburse the State of New York for 30 percent of the non-federal share of costs associated with work within the Town.
- The Town’s estimated total share of periodic renourishment over 30 years is $27.6 million, subject to adjustment based on actual costs.
- The first Town payment is not anticipated until Fiscal Year 2027.
Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said the signing represents years of persistence and partnership to reach a turning point for Montauk’s future.
“It’s taken years of hard work, difficult conversations, and strong partnerships to get here. FIMP has been talked about for decades, and today, Montauk finally has the long-term commitment it deserves,” Burke-Gonzalez said. “This agreement means Montauk will have continued protection, not just after the next storm, but for the next generation. For a community that depends on its beaches, its small businesses, and its working families, this is a promise that we are investing in Montauk’s future, keeping it safe, accessible, and thriving.”
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, who secured federal funding for FIMP, praised the partnership and the Town’s leadership.
“Any Long Island leader will agree, FIMP has been a godsend for their coastal communities,” Schumer said. “It has revitalized our beaches, hardened our coastal features, maintained our inlets and waterways, all while protecting our precious natural resources. When our communities see the Army Corps of Engineers come to town, they are thankful because they know the work they do will breathe life into their storm-battered beaches once more. With this East Hampton Project Partnership Agreement, we are one step closer to securing the Army Corps coming back to East Hampton for many years to come.”
Councilmember Cate Rogers said the project underscores the need to address the impacts of climate change through long-term planning and collaboration.
“Our coastlines are changing before our eyes, and we have a responsibility to meet that reality head-on. This agreement is part of building resilience, protecting Montauk’s beaches, dunes, and community from the effects of stronger storms and rising seas,” Rogers said. “It’s about preparing for the future in a way that respects both the environment and the people who depend on it.”
Councilmember Ian Calder-Piedmonte spoke about the importance of the agreement for Montauk’s local economy and community. “So much of Montauk’s economy depends on its beaches and the people who work and live around them.,” he said. “This project gives our community the security to plan for the future and the confidence that we are protecting what makes Montauk such a special place to live, work, and visit.”
Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni (D-Sag Harbor) said the project reflects the power of sustained cooperation across all levels of government.
“New York State, together with the Town of East Hampton and the federal government, is dedicating a total of $184 million to stabilize downtown Montauk over the next 30 years as coastal flooding and storm erosion continue to threaten our fragile shoreline,” Schiavoni said. “I’m proud of the partnership between local, state, and federal entities which will protect the livelihood of Montauk residents, and I’m grateful that the Town of East Hampton is committed to protecting Montauk for generations to come.”
“The signing of the FIMP PPA is a historic moment for Montauk,” added Leo Daunt, president of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce. “This commitment means our downtown beaches, the heart of our town and our economy, will be cared for and protected for the next 30 years.”
Jessica James, board president of Concerned Citizens of Montauk, commended the town and its partners for their leadership and called for continued progress. “For 55 years, CCOM has worked to protect Montauk’s environment,” she said. “Today, we know that the effects of climate change, rising seas, stronger storms, and increasing erosion demand both immediate and long-term action. We urge the Town to build on the momentum of this agreement and swiftly advance its long-term resilience planning goals, including the priority strategies outlined in the Coastal Assessment Resiliency Plan, developed through collaboration with CCOM, expert partners, and the community.”
The Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point Project is a comprehensive coastal storm risk management plan covering approximately 83 miles of the Atlantic shoreline in Suffolk County, from Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point. The plan combines beach and dune restoration, breach and inlet management, coastal structure improvements, and habitat restoration.
The Montauk component of FIMP will provide long-term storm protection for downtown Montauk, help sustain local businesses, and ensure that beaches remain accessible and resilient for residents and visitors alike.