Dan Russell Pier - Structural Plan Update

[Midwest For Now]

I know that last September, 2004, Hurricane Ivan destroyed the "T" portion off of the Dan Russell/City Pier and that Hurricane Dennis even caused more damage which resulted in a chain link fence being erected right after the "bath" house but does anyone know what the plan is for the pier? Are they going to rebuild with what is remaining? Tear down and rebuild a new/improved? Or just keep things going as is? The pier is a big draw to the area and a nice fishing spot but the City seems to not be moving very fast to get it back up and running.

Appreciate any insight on the piers future.

I just heard a news story on WMBB News 13 which said that it would cost over a million dollars to fix the pier. However...if they decide to replace the pier, FEMA will cover the cost for such. I'd prefer that they replace it.

FEMA will pay to replace the pier if there is more than 50% damage. It has gone above that as of Dennis. Now the permitting process will start and as we all know, that will take longer that actually building the pier. If all goes well, the permitting will be finished and ready for construction by fall of 2006 and hopefully open by spring of 2007. The new pier will be of new construction like the Pensacola pier with blow out panels. The decision now is, do we remove the old pier and put the new pier in its location or do we construct the new pier alongside the old and remove the old when the new is finished.

New update. Seems that FEMA is getting strapped for cash so they are now saying it wouldn't be right to spend money on a new fishing pier when so much money is needed west of Panama City Beach. They will help fund the repairs to the old pier but those repairs will only last till the next hurricane when things get to start over.

Lee sullivan was on wkgc before christmas and said they were using money from the pier to hire lifeguards for the beach. If we chum, sharks will take care of the tourists.

Old saying, believe in one hand and crap in the other and see which fills up the fastest. There is no money in the pier fund and won't be for a number of years. Until the pier is rebuilt and the two million dollars that the city has to pay out for their part of the rebuilding, there won't be any extra. Gotta remember, Mayor Sullivan is running for state office and will say anything to get a vote.