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Politics & Government

Swan River Dredge Project Set to be Completed by Memorial Day

Legislator Eddington spearheaded the clearing of this important waterway.

On Sunday, May 16th Legislator Jack Eddington, Congressman Tim Bishop and Senator Brian Foley joined White Water Marine Services co-owner Tom Carpenter and Morgan's Swan River Marina owner Tom Lynch to herald the long overdue dredging of  Patchogue's Swan River.  It is anticipated to be finished just in time for the fun and festivities of Memorial Day weekend, the de facto start to the summer season.

 The Suffolk County Department of Public Works was recently active in dredging approximately 15,000 cubic yards of substance from the navigation channel.  The dredge will extend from the Town of Brookhaven boat ramp to the mouth of the Swan River and clear out a navigation channel of 100 feet wide by 1200 feet long to a depth of six feet.

Leg. Eddington was at the helm of this ambitious endeavor.  He has already been successful in directing Suffolk County to dredge Abets Creek in Patchogue.

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Over the years the Swan River channel has become virtually completely blockaded resulting in a treacherous waterway for boaters to navigate.

 Leg. Eddington explained the dire need for the dredging of these troubled waters, "This is an economic artery for Suffolk County.  Restaurants and marinas are on this tributary and river.  It's essential."

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Swan River is a relatively pure, cold freshwater stream.  Fish and wildlife pervade the entire body of water.  The river is one of only a handful of free-flowing, spring-fed streams on Long Island that still remain in a primarily pristine state.  Atop Swan River there are habitable conditions for natural reproduction by Brook Trout; it sustains one of approximately six known wild populations of this species on Long Island.  This stream also has concentrations of sea-run brown trout in the tidal segment below Montauk Highway during their fall spawning period (September to November.)  The salmonids in Swan River support a recreational fishery of county-level significance.

Sen. Foley's discerning eye noted the sprouting of new plant life up along the water's edge. "Grass as opposed to cattails; this shows a healthy living ecosystem," said Foley.

The complex process inherent in uniting the many agencies and levels of government, imperative to initiate and bring to fruition a dredge project, would not have taken place without the diligent aid of Congressman Tim Bishop at the federal level and Senator Brian Foley at the state level working alongside Legislator Eddington.

White Water Marine Services co-owner Tom Carpenter gave voice to the local businesses that depend on the viability of Swan River to remain afloat.  He said, "We are very grateful to Legislator Eddington who responded to us and really pushed to get this thing done."

Due to these tireless joint efforts, Suffolk County was able to secure a ten-year permit for maintenance dredging of this important waterway, thereby keeping this channel safe, open and usable on a consistent basis.

Legislator Eddington said, "I want to thank Congressman Tim Bishop and Senator Brian Foley for their help.  They secured the permits we needed to move forward in order to be ready for boating season."

Congressman Bishop added, "I am pleased that we were able to expedite the dredging permits so boaters can safely enjoy Swan River this summer and local businesses can thrive.  I commend Legislator Jack Eddington's office for taking a leadership role and making sure this project didn't slip between the cracks."

Senator Foley proved he hasn't forgotten where he came from saying, "I was pleased to be able to do my part in getting the DEC [Department of Environmental Conservation] to speed up the permit process.  As someone who represented this legislative district for 12 years, it feels good to see things moving in the right direction."

Thanks to the proficiency and alacrity in which these elected officials united and came through on behalf of the community, it's environmental conservation and its local merchants, from here on out crossing the once perilous Swan River should be smooth sailing.

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