Isaac-damaged piers may not be repaired by summer

by Associated Press

Published: March 13,2013

Tags: beach, damage, disaster recovery, fish, fishing, hurricane, jetty, natural disaster, outdoors, pier, repair, storm, swim, swimmer, swimming, tourism, tourist, tropical weather, vacation, visitor

GULFPORT — Gulfport officials say piers along the Gulf Coast that were damaged by Hurricane Isaac in August may not be repaired before summer.

The Category 1 storm that hit Aug. 29 tore up slats, pilings and jetties from Biloxi to Pass Christian.

Officials say the repairs and improvements must be approved by FEMA and put out for bids before work can begin.

A few of the piers are open, but most have been closed since Isaac hit, and officials want to get them fixed so residents and tourists can fish from them again.

David D’Aquilla, assistant director for the Department of Leisure Services in Gulfport, tells The Sun Herald the piers along Gulfport’s beach were the hardest hit in Isaac.