Project Supported by $300,000 Grant Recommended by Long Island Regional Economic Development Council
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of the $1.5 million Shinnecock Commercial Fishing Dock renovation in Southampton, Suffolk County. The project rehabilitated the dock’s bulkhead, parking area, and electrical and water systems, which will increase the commercial fleet's operational efficiency and support the sustainability of the region’s commercial fishing industry. In 2018, more than 4.2 million pounds of fish were landed at Shinnecock, with a value of nearly $6 million.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Long Island’s iconic shoreline hooks residents and tourists drawn to its beaches for fun and recreation, but the waterfront also represents an economic lifeline for the fishing industry. Renovation of the Shinnecock Commercial Fishing Dock, home to New York State’s second-largest commercial fishing fleet, will further buoy the regional economy and jobs driven by the industry."
The Shinnecock Commercial Fishing Dock is home to the second largest commercial fishing fleet in New York State, with approximately two dozen commercial fishing vessels that directly support hundreds of local jobs and supply wild-caught fish to local and global businesses. The project was supported by a $300,000 Empire State Development capital grant, recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, reflecting New York State's support for the commercial fishing industry as a key regional industry. The two dozen commercial fishing vessels based at Shinnecock Commercial Fishing Dock support jobs for a range of workers, including boat crews, bait and tackle shops, hardware stores, welders and electricians.
LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and Farmingdale State College President Dr. John Nader said, "Long Island’s commercial fishing industry is essential to the region’s economic vitality. In supporting the success of the fleet operating from the Shinnecock Commercial Fishing Dock, this project will help countless Long Islanders not only stay afloat but thrive."
Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said, "The Dock is rich in local history and tradition. It plays a vital role in the food supply chain and the local economy. The Town is committed to assuring its continued operation."
The renovation delivers much-needed dock infrastructure upgrades to support the port's sustainability, ensuring the continued safe operations of the commercial fleet, and provides greater resiliency against future storms and adverse impacts related to climate change. As a result, the commercial fisheries that operate out of this port will continue to contribute to the regional economy and will achieve goals for growth and increased operational efficiency.
The Shinnecock Commercial Fishing Dock was developed by Suffolk County in the early 1980s. In 2002, Southampton and Suffolk County signed an agreement for the town to operate, manage, and repair the dock to better support the local commercial fishing industry. This led to better electrical service, a single-story dockmaster’s building, and a stormwater mitigation strategy. Additional upgrades were made in 2013 after Superstorm Sandy, and the docks were re-decked in 2017 and 2018, with spot repairs to address sinkholes. The Town of Southampton took complete ownership of the dock from Suffolk County in May 2019, and has made several improvements since then, with this project being the most comprehensive and significant.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Emily Mijatovic | [email protected] | (212) 803-3692