News Release
Ventura, Calif. – The Historic Ventura Pier has been temporarily closed for public safety due to recent damage from winter storms. The safe reopening is anticipated by the end of 2023. Closed since January 2023, the current repair costs are estimated at $715,000.
“The Historic Ventura Pier is an iconic destination for our community,” shared Deputy Public Works Director and Pier into the Future board member Mary Joyce Ivers. “The Pier lost a total of 15 timber piles and sustained damage to the brackets and bracing. A contractor was able to stabilize the Pier to prevent additional damage when the closure first occurred, and we are looking forward to safely reopening after completing the critical repairs.”
The City, County Emergency Services, CalOES, and FEMA surveyed the Pier damage on January 19, 2023. Repair assessments included underwater surveys to inspect the condition of the timber piles at the mudline and an inventory of any missing bracing or brackets. It is likely that most of the damage occurred from subsequent storm events where large amounts of debris battered base of the Pier.
Funding for the emergency repairs, design, and construction for the repairs is potentially provided by FEMA, State, City, and donations from Pier into the Future. Repair work is anticipated to be performed under the existing Coastal Development permit.
In 1993 Pier into the Future, a non-profit organization was created to raise a $1 million endowment fund to preserve and maintain the Ventura Pier for future generations to enjoy. The interest earnings from this fund are used for periodic maintenance, educational amenities and enhancements to ensure the Ventura Pier remains a treasured, historic resource for visitors and future generations to enjoy.
“Pier into the Future is proud of the partnership with the City of Ventura to ensure the Pier remains in our community,” shared Pier into the Future Executive Director Jenise Wagar-Hernandez. “The recent storms caused significant damage, but we are optimistic it will reopen in time even stronger than before. Through community donations to Pier into the Future, we are happy to be able to provide some funding for the recent repairs.”
The repairs and safe reopening of the Pier is anticipated by the end of 2023. To learn more and for latest progress updates, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/VenturaPier.
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