Battered Pier Will Finally Be Rebuilt

The City Council has decided the old fishing pier off Port Hueneme Beach Park needs fixing.

The council voted unanimously Oct. 21 to negotiate with the John S. Meek Co. for the reconstruction project.

Built in the 1960s, the pier was damaged during winter storms in 1995.

Repairs scheduled to begin in September of last year were postponed based on forecasts of El Nino storm conditions last winter--and the pier did sustain additional damage in February.

Using money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the city will spend $211,523 to rebuild the pier, according to Port Hueneme Mayor Jonathan Sharkey.

The pier’s original T shape, with two wings, will be discarded, because it is considered a less than durable design.

“Piers can take a lot of stress but aren’t designed to take lateral stress,” Sharkey said. “The wings are the weakest part.”

Construction should begin in March, and Sharkey said he is not sure how long it will take.

Tina Esparza, director of housing and community development, said the city has hired consultants to help create the strongest design for the local tourist attraction.

“We’ve done underwater inspections, and hopefully with the repairs and reconstruction, it should be a pretty sturdy pier,” she said.

“I know the community is anxious to have the pier done. It’s a pretty popular spot.”