Rep. Zeldin and Southampton Town Trustees Announce that the Cut at Mecox Bay to be Opened

Press Release

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced today that through his office the proper permit was obtained to open the cut at Mecox Bay in Southampton, NY. This emergency authorization provides Southampton Town Trustees with the permit necessary to open the cut to Mecox Bay while they renew a 10-year dredging permit that will allow the Town to maintain the opening over a longer period of time. The work is scheduled to begin tomorrow, Thursday, June 16, 2016.

Congressman Zeldin said, "Working closely with the Southampton Town Trustees, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), my office was able to secure the approval of an emergency authorization to allow Southampton Town to open the cut at Mecox Bay while the town continues the process to renew its 10-year dredge permit. The emergency authorization provides the permit needed to conduct this timely and important project that will protect the fish and wildlife in Mecox Bay, while ensuring the health and safety of Southampton residents."

Scott M. Horowitz, Secretary and Treasurer of the Southampton Town Board of Trustees, said, "I would like to thank Congressman Lee Zeldin for assisting the Southampton Town trustees receive an emergency permit to open the cut at Mecox bay, so the water level can be lowered and the health of the ecosystem of the bay remain in a state that would support the many shellfish and fin fish that inhabit the bay. In addition, this action will alleviate the flooding of many of the areas basements and septic systems, which if left unchecked would create a health and safety issue. Many agencies need to be coordinated in order to be successful under the current circumstances, since this is the prime season for the nesting of some colonial birds such as the piping plover and least tern. The Southampton Town Trustees have great respect for all of the resources and administer an extensive endangered species program. The Trustees worked hard with all the agencies, including coordination assistance of our local congressman."

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