SHIRLEY, N.Y. — Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine is calling for urgent federal assistance after severe coastal erosion stripped away protective dunes at Smith Point County Park, potentially placing the TWA Flight 800 Memorial and nearby park facilities at risk.
In an October 12 announcement, Romaine confirmed that Suffolk County formally requested assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address extensive shoreline damage at Smith Point Beach and along Dune Road near Shinnecock Inlet.
According to county officials, powerful storms in January and September 2026 caused significant beach erosion, flooding and damage to coastal infrastructure.
Protective Dunes Completely Washed Away
At Smith Point, the protective dune separating the Atlantic Ocean from the park pavilion and TWA Flight 800 Memorial was completely removed during the September 24–27 nor’easter.
Additional sections of the outer beach east of the main pavilion also suffered significant damage.
The memorial honors the 230 people killed when TWA Flight 800 crashed off Long Island in July 1996. The site marked the tragedy’s 30th anniversary earlier this year.
“We are asking the Corps to assist as quickly as possible to restore these beaches,” Romaine said. “It is a matter of public safety.”
Dune Road Also Facing Serious Damage
The county identified extensive erosion along Dune Road in Southampton, west of Shinnecock Inlet.
Officials reported that the protective beach berm has been severely diminished, with storm damage creating additional locations where ocean water can wash across vulnerable sections of the barrier beach.
The damage presents concerns beyond recreational beach access, potentially affecting nearby fishing docks, marinas, restaurants and other waterfront businesses.
Federal Response Awaited
Suffolk County’s request places the issue before federal engineers, but the October 12 announcement did not establish a restoration timetable or confirm that federal assistance had been approved.
For residents and local businesses, the stakes extend beyond replacing lost sand. Protective dunes serve as natural barriers against flooding and storm surge.
With the Atlantic hurricane season continuing through November, the county’s request underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable shorelines before additional storms arrive.
The next significant development will be whether the Army Corps agrees to assist and identifies an actionable restoration plan.