After years of delays, Naples is poised to receive over $12 million in federal funding to demolish and rebuild the iconic Naples Pier. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is expected to approve $11.4 million in grants for the project, though the city is still awaiting the final “go-ahead” from FEMA, which is contingent on an official permit from the Army Corps of Engineers.
On August 28, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Naples to inspect the damage to the pier caused by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, which left most of the structure collapsed into the Gulf. Noem, alongside Mayor Teresa Heitmann and City Manager Gary Young, toured the pier and voiced frustration over the delays, calling the situation “incompetency” and emphasizing the need for faster disaster response.
FEMA’s delay in permitting the demolition has been a major roadblock, as the city could not begin the process without risking the loss of FEMA funding. The pier must undergo a series of reviews by local, state, and federal agencies. The city has already issued $11 million in bonds for initial funding since FEMA and state reimbursements are based on a reimbursement model.
The total project cost is estimated at $26 million, which includes construction, design, and permitting fees. Funding sources for the project include $12.67 million in federal funds, $5 million from the state, $2.2 million from the county Tourist Development Council, and contributions from the city’s beach funds and public donations.
City officials expect to receive FEMA’s final approval this month, allowing demolition to begin. The construction process is projected to take 1½ years, including 4 to 6 months for demolition.
Originally built in 1888, Naples Pier has been rebuilt six times after hurricanes. It remains a major tourist attraction, drawing over a million visitors annually for sunsets, fishing, wildlife watching, and other activities. Efforts to include a concession stand at the pier have been scrapped after feedback showed it was not a top priority for residents.
For more information on how to donate to the project, visit bit.ly/DonateToNaplesPier.
