By Pam Nicholls, GSAC Board Member
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The City’s quest to resurrect its most iconic landmark needs just one more nod from above before demolition of the old Naples Pier, and its rebirth as a stronger, higher, and more resilient version can begin.
There was good news last month when the City received the final permit approval from the US Army Corps of Engineers for the Pier Rebuild Project which is expected to cost $26M and take 18 months to complete.
The City is still waiting for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to obligate its approval project request for over $11m in funding for the pier’s repair. The project’s cost justification was completed, and the project has been under final internal review at FEMA since February. By August it had proceeded through the FEMA “queues” and got to the final step, an obligation of funds by officials in Washington.
It’s possible FEMA layoffs, and the government shutdown, may have played some role in delaying the agency’s final green light, but city officials remain optimistic about receiving final approvals and achieving a January start date.
Hurricane Ian caused catastrophic damage to the Pier in 2022. More than 30 pilings collapsed and nearly 50% of the structure washed away. Most of what remained over-water is not usable and just a small portion of the pier is open to the public today.
To view the rebuild project video please click here.
