A snowy egret stands sentry on a piece of what little remains of the Fort Myers Beach Pier after it was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce president Jacki Liszak has advocated for the county to rebuild the Pier, a critical component of the town\u2019s rebuild, she said. FILE\/NATHAN MAYBERG<\/p>\n
Lee County officials said they have received the permit they have been waiting on since last year from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin working on the replacement of the Fort Myers Beach Pier.<\/p>\n
Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka said the approval was received on Monday. Work could begin as soon as August and will take approximately 12 months, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is one interim step from the federal government for final clearance of funding from Congress, that\u2019s just a formality. That\u2019s not a matter of a yes or no. It\u2019s just federal paperwork,\u201d Mulicka said.<\/p>\n
Lee County spokesperson Tim Engstrom said \u201cthe county has received the required federal permits for pier reconstruction and is now completing the important coordination work that takes place before construction begins.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pre-construction efforts include \u201ccoordination meetings, final review of the contractor\u2019s project schedule and construction submittals, and coordination with regulatory agencies and project stakeholders. Lee County is working closely with its consultants to facilitate meetings with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to ensure all environmental, safety, operational, permitting, and regulatory requirements are satisfied before construction begins,\u201d Engstrom said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe county understands the community is eager to see visible construction activity,\u201d Engstrom said. \u201cIt is important to keep in mind that preparing crews, mobilizing equipment, and staging materials takes time for projects of this size and complexity. This work is actively moving forward behind the scenes to ensure construction begins as safely and efficiently as possible. The county appreciates the public\u2019s patience and support as this landmark project progresses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak said she is \u201cthrilled, over the moon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Liszak hopes the work can be completed before the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Ian in September of next year. \u201cLet\u2019s go, get the shovels going,\u201d Liszak said.<\/p>\n
Liszak said the pier is the No. 1 visited spot in the county. \u201cGetting this up and running gives us fresh, positive news for people to visit us again.\u201d<\/p>\n