Phil Ammann
St. Petersburg has finally received the official OK to rebuild the Pier.
This city received a permit Wednesday from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the last step to clearing the way for construction on the new Pier.
“The ‘New St. Pete Pier’ will be a dynamic extension of our iconic waterfront park system, and is sure to be enjoyed by residents and visitors from throughout the world for generations to come,” St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman said in a statement. “My thanks to my team, our government partners, and our community for getting us to this point.”
The 26-acre Pier District includes the pier, which will span 1,265 feet into Tampa Bay. The district also includes the pier approach from Spa Beach to city’s downtown boundary and along the waterfront from Pioneer Park and Beach Drive up to the Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club.
“With this permit in hand, the next stage of important work begins on our new St. Petersburg Pier,” said City Council Chair Darden Rice. “This is one of many critical steps to ensure the pier will be built in a sound way compatible with lessened impacts on the bay. Like so many others, I am excited to see construction begin on our pier.”
Council Member Karl Nurse added: “St. Pete has gone through an incredibly long process to build our fourth-generation pier. I believe our community will be happy with the new pier and uplands.”
As one of the world’s largest public engineering, design and construction agencies, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is behind many of the nation’s biggest public works projects such as dams, canals and flood protection.
A target date for completion of St. Pete Pier project is the end of 2018.
