Naples City Council approves pier project timeline extension and funds.

The Naples City Council indicated further possible delays in the reconstruction of the Naples Pier by approving measures to extend the project timeline and provide extra funding for inspections.

On Wednesday, the council decided to prolong the construction, engineering, and inspection phase from December 2024 until November 2026. An additional $1.4 million was also approved for Turrell, Hall & Associates, the firm responsible for overseeing inspections and ensuring compliance with project requirements.

The city has indicated that it is keeping in step with these agencies and has made efforts to ensure everything is organized by the time state and federal approvals are received, according to a recent article by Mahmoud Bennett of FOX4.

In October, officials projected that construction might commence within a timeframe of six to eight months; however, a definitive timeline has yet to be established.

“I don’t see anyone working on it,” remarked Mike Petscher, a resident of the outskirts of Collier County. “I believe they are merely wasting people’s time and money,” he added.

Some residents are increasingly frustrated as they wait for progress on the iconic pier. The continuous updates from the council have led some to lose faith that reconstruction will begin in the near future.

“I don’t understand why it should take a couple of years, do you?” Petscher remarked. “I am a carpenter; carpentry has been my lifelong profession. I could have this thing fixed in under a week and make it flawless,” he quipped.

Upon the commencement of construction, the project is anticipated to require approximately 18 months for completion. Both locals and visitors express their enthusiasm for the restoration of the pier.

“As both a visitor and a local, I would really like to see it open for everyone to appreciate,” a tourist expressed.

Built in 1888, the iconic pier underwent reconstruction following hurricanes in 1910, 1926, 1944, and 1960. It was most recently devastated by Hurricane Ian.

The reconstruction of the pier, anticipated to exceed $24 million in costs, has encountered delays as the city awaits necessary approvals from federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA.

This article originally appeared on FOX4

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