Assemblyman Fred Thiele (Unaffiliated, D – Sag Harbor) today hailed the announcement by New York State and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the restoration and protection of the historic Montauk Lighthouse from shoreline erosion. Governor Cuomo announced the awarding of a $30.7 million contract to H&L Contracting of Bay Shore. The project is estimated to span two-years, and work is expected to begin this spring.

The costs will be shared by the project’s sponsors through a combination of state and federal support, with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) committing $15.4 million in NY Works funding, and the Montauk Historical Society committing to maintain the site following the project’s completion.

This essential project to protect one of our nation’s most notable and historic landmarks was made possible by legislation passed by Assemblyman Thiele and Senator Ken LaValle in 2016 (Ch. 310 of the Laws of 2016). The legislation was necessary to grant authority to the Commissioner of the New York State DEC to undertake any project to protect a National Historic Landmark to ensure that necessary measures can be undertaken to protect these sites from the brutal effects of shore erosion. Previously, state agencies had not been authorized to undertake such projects in partnership with not-for-profit organizations.

The Montauk Lighthouse is designated by the United States Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark and was deeded to the Montauk Historical Society in 1996.

Assemblyman Thiele stated, “The Montauk Lighthouse has been part of Long Island's land and seascape for more than 200 years. I applaud the efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the DEC, and the Montauk Historical Society to protect this national treasure from shoreline erosion. I was happy to provide the DEC with the necessary authority to undertake this essential restoration project through my legislation in 2016, and very much look forward to its completion so that generations to come can appreciate this most beloved landmark.”