by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The City of Sanibel will use $24,000 in citizen donations to fund an engineering study to determine whether temporary repairs can be made to the fishing pier. The City is prepared to provide $233,000 towards the pier’s future.
“It’s going to take a long time to get the funds to do the work,” said City Manager Dana Souza.
The Sanibel Fishing Pier was damaged by Hurricane Ian and has been unavailable for public use since the storm. The Public Works Department received the engineer’s construction cost estimates and evaluated options to either repair or replace the fishing pier.
The estimated cost to repair the fishing pier is $651,190, while full replacement is estimated at $1,232,966. The fishing pier was not insured; therefore, any costs to repair or replace the pier would need to be funded by the City or other sources.
“Due to the extensive damage Hurricane Ian caused to City infrastructure and facilities, investment in the fishing pier has been a lower priority,” Souza wrote in an agenda memorandum for the January 13 Council meeting.
The City has submitted a project worksheet to FEMA seeking reimbursement related to the fishing pier; however, FEMA has not issued a final determination.
At the January 14 City Council meeting, the council authorized private residents to raise funds to support repairs to the fishing pier. At that meeting, Sanibel resident Robert Stern discussed the concept of private fundraising to support the fishing pier’s repair and reopening. Since that time, Richard Birney, also a Sanibel resident, has assumed the lead role in fundraising efforts.
Initially, fundraising efforts were anticipated to be based on the estimated $651,190 cost to repair the fishing pier. Stantec estimated that demolition of the fishing pier would cost approximately $223,000. Under this scenario, residents would seek to raise the remaining $428,190 needed to complete the repairs, with the City contributing $223,000.
As City staff and residents worked to refine the scope of work and cost estimates for repairs, residents proposed dividing the project into two phases.
Phase 1 would consist of all necessary top-side pier repairs and access improvements, at an estimated total project cost of approximately $200,000. This phase would allow the pier to reopen to the public while permanent repairs are designed and permitted.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permitting process is expected to take six months or less for Phase 1 repairs. Phase 2 would include permanent repairs to the fishing pier, estimated at $451,190, and the permitting process is expected to take up to 1 year.
City staff has maintained the position, as discussed in January 2025, that the City would contribute $223,000 toward permanent repairs. The first phase of construction must be fully funded through private fundraising. Recently, Ark Marine Construction & Services submitted a proposal to complete both phases of construction, totaling $614,016.
FEMA funding must also be considered. Previously, the City anticipated FEMA reimbursement of either $651,190 for permanent repairs or $1.2 million for replacement. FEMA has since indicated it is prepared to obligate only $145,000 for fishing pier repairs, which is less than the estimated demolition cost of $223,000.
Given the remaining uncertainties regarding funding and project scope, the staff presents the following options for City Council consideration: Option 1 is to authorize residents to raise private funds for the design and construction of a two-phased approach to completing permanent repairs. This option would be implemented in three phases.
1. Design Phase – An engineer will prepare the design, bid specifications, and bid documents for both construction phases.
a. Design Funding – Donated funds (approximately $24,000) will be transferred to the City to cover design costs.
b. Engineering Services – The engineer will be responsible for the design and permitting of the proposed repairs and will deliver final plans, specifications, and bidding documents.
c. City Oversight – Using donated funds, the City will hire and manage the engineer. City staff will collaborate with Mr. Birney and review the final design.
d. Council Review – Staff will present the completed design to City Council and, if feasible, recommend that the project proceed to the construction phase.
2. Construction Phase – If approved by City Council and once sufficient private funds are raised, staff will issue an Invitation to Bid for the pier repair work. The project will be awarded to the qualified bidder who submitted the lowest bid. As discussed during the January 16, 2025, City Council meeting, the City is expected to contribute $223,000 toward permanent repairs, with private donations covering the remaining balance, as determined through the City’s bidding process.
Construction will occur in two phases:
i. Phase One – Completion of all necessary top-side pier repairs and access improvements. All required permits must be secured prior to commencing work. Once completed and inspected to confirm public safety, the pier will reopen to the public.
ii. Phase Two – Completion of all required in-water work, including the installation of piles. All required permits must be secured prior to commencing work
The fundraising target for citizens is $600K across Phases 1 and 2. Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) will handle the collection and disbursement of funds via the website. Bank of the Islands is the holder of the funds. The City of Sanibel will request disbursement of funds from CFI to pay contractors. A citizens committee will lead fundraising activity.
The Sanibel Pier is a key part of our island legacy, the Citizens’ Committee said in its PowerPoint presentation. The pier proudly served residents and tourists. Since Ian, it has been a source of negativity, including perceptions of the island’s lack of recovery (an eyesore) and the loss of services for islanders and visitors.