Exciting news is on the horizon for Long Island's local boating community! The mouth of the Mattituck Inlet is set to be dredged in the fall of 2025, with the work scheduled to take place as part of an ongoing effort to enhance navigability and maintain the vital waterway for the area's recreational and commercial boaters. This development is a major win for the Mattituck community and for those who rely on the Inlet for safe and efficient passage to and from the Long Island Sound.
What Is Dredging, and Why Is It Important?
Dredging is the process of removing sediment, sand, or other debris from the bottom of bodies of water. This helps to deepen channels, prevent the accumulation of silt, and ensure safe passage for boats. Inlets, which are narrow waterways that connect bodies of water such as bays to the ocean, are particularly susceptible to sediment buildup due to their constant exposure to tides, currents, and storms. Over time, this sediment can create shallow areas that pose a risk to vessels trying to navigate the waterway, especially for larger boats with deeper drafts.
By dredging the entrance to the Mattituck Inlet, the goal is to restore the necessary depth to accommodate vessels at low tide. This improvement will not only improve safety for boaters but also ensure the continued vitality of maritime industries in the area, including recreational boating, fishing, and tourism.
Check out the photos from Fall of 2024 where part of the Mattituck Inlet was dredged Near Strong's Yacht Center!
A Milestone in Local Advocacy
The confirmation that the dredging will proceed in Fall 2025 is a significant milestone for local advocacy efforts. Congressman Nick LaLota’s office confirmed the good news recently, providing a clear timetable for the much-needed project. For many years, the mouth of the Mattituck Inlet has required maintenance to keep it accessible, particularly for those using it to access the Long Island Sound, and beyond.
This dredging effort builds on previous success. In the fall of 2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers successfully dredged the interior of the Inlet to a minimum depth of 7 feet at low tide, ensuring that boaters could safely navigate through the channel. This fall, the focus will be on the Inlet's entrance to restore it to a minimum depth of 7 feet at low tide, with the possibility of achieving even greater depth based on conditions and the project's scope.
Bailies Beach
Another crucial element of this dredging project is the management of the dredged sand. In the past the sand removed from the Inlet has been placed on Bailies Beach, located to the east of the Inlet. This method has proven beneficial in the past, particularly during the last dredging operation in 2014. Beach nourishment helps to combat erosion and maintain the integrity of the shoreline, ensuring that Bailies Beach remains a valuable coastal resource for both locals and visitors.
By continuing to use the sand from the Inlet for beach nourishment, the project not only supports maritime accessibility but also contributes to the environmental health of the coastline.
Long-Term Benefits for the Community
For years, Mattituck residents and the broader Long Island boating community have known how crucial the Inlet is to the local economy. It provides direct access to the Long Island Sound, which is a hub for recreational boating, fishing, and tourism. It also serves as an essential access point for local marinas including Strong's Yacht Center and Strong's Water Club as well as fishing operations that rely on the waterway for transporting goods and services.
With dredging scheduled to take place in 2025, boaters will see immediate benefits in terms of safer and more reliable access to the sound. For recreational boaters, this means more enjoyable experiences on the water without the constant concern of running aground or navigating through shallow areas. The maintenance of the Inlet also has positive implications for local businesses that rely on tourism and the marine industry. Fishing and charter boats, in particular, will be able to operate more effectively, helping to keep the local economy strong.
Looking Ahead: Continued Investment in Long Island's Maritime Infrastructure
The scheduled dredging of the Mattituck Inlet is just one example of the ongoing efforts to maintain and improve Long Island's vital maritime infrastructure. With a growing number of boaters and maritime enthusiasts calling the region home, projects like these are essential for maintaining safe and navigable waterways.
Congressman LaLota's support for this dredging project underscores the importance of continued investment in the region’s waterways. Local officials and residents have long advocated for dredging projects to ensure that the Long Island boating community continues to thrive. These efforts are indicative of the broader goal of maintaining Long Island's status as a premier destination for maritime recreation, tourism, and commerce.
A Bright Future for Mattituck Inlet
The upcoming dredging of the Mattituck Inlet entrance is an exciting development for the Long Island community. As the fall of 2025 approaches, boaters and coastal residents can look forward to a safer, more accessible Inlet that supports both recreational and commercial activities. With the added benefit of beach nourishment on Bailies Beach, the project will also help to protect the local coastline from erosion and maintain its natural beauty.
As we move toward the 2025 dredging, it’s clear that collaboration between local residents, officials, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will continue to play a critical role in the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of Long Island’s waterways. The Mattituck Inlet’s dredging is a testament to the power of local advocacy and the importance of keeping our coastal infrastructure strong for future generations.
About Strong's Marine
Strong's Marine has been a family owned business since 1945. In 2013, Strong's Marine acquired the marina in Mattituck, now known as Strong's Water Club & Resort. Strong's Marine has four locations in Mattituck including the flagship location at Mattituck Bay, Strong's Yacht Center, Strong's Main Road and of course the Strong's Water Club & Resort. You can find Strong's Marine across Long Island at our numerous locations including Port Washington, Freeport, Freeport, Southampton, Mattituck, and Cutchogue.
