Work on Pier May Begin This Month

Work to improve the Ventura Pier could start this month under a plan the City Council will consider tonight.

The council is expected to approve a contract with Cushman Contracting Inc., the lowest bidder for the project at $1.6 million.

The wooden pier was heavily damaged by a storm in December 1995, resulting in a loss of more than 420 feet. To prevent additional loss, reinforcements were completed two years later. But the 1998 El Nino-driven storm season further damaged the outer area of the pier, driving city officials to explore options for rebuilding the landmark.

Following recommendations of an advisory group, the project includes rebuilding the existing pier using steel piles and construction of a 4,600-square-foot, octagon-shaped pier terminus, including an opening in the deck to view the ocean below.

The city has about $2.2 million available for pier work, according to a staff report. Funding for the project includes nearly $1.15 million in state grants, $250,000 from the Wildlife Conservation Board, $147,750 from the state budget and $750,000 from the city budget, the report said.

A temporary wooden runway for the public will be constructed along the entire length of the pier during construction, with a railing on both sides.

Eric Ericsson’s restaurant will remain open during construction, the report said.