Seabrook City Council held an extended discussion about financing and reconstructing the Pine Gully Pier, which the city lost significant structure on after Tropical Storm Nicholas. The council did not take a final funding vote but directed staff to investigate funding options, and council members agreed to pursue coordinated review with the Economic Development Corporation and other potential funders.

Why it matters: The pier is a long-standing public amenity and revenue generator. Council members said restoring it would support tourism, access to the bay and the city’s quality-of-life goals; estimated costs and constrained funding raised complex choices.

Key numbers and options discussed: An architect’s estimate for a rebuild (including construction) was presented in discussion as roughly $2,000,001; a separate bid including demolition was described as about $2.4 million. Harris County had previously offered roughly $500,000 toward demolition. Council members said Texas Parks and Wildlife grants (up to $1 million) could be available, but city staff noted application deadlines were missed for the current cycle and that some county matching sources were uncertain. Staff and council referenced a Port of Houston disannexation fund of $4 million (with $1.5 million identified for parks) and discussed whether those previously earmarked funds or EDC funds could be applied to the pier — recognizing legal or resolution-based designations might constrain use.

Council members noted prior revenue: pier access produced $293,986 in gross revenue in the 2015–2020 period and had since dropped after the pier was lost. Speakers discussed multiple scenarios: pursuing TPWD (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department) matching grants, awaiting a possible Harris County commitment, seeking EDC contributions, and identifying general-fund/park-fee sources. Several council members recommended a joint meeting with EDC and directed staff to review legal restrictions on earmarked funds before any reallocation.

Council direction and next steps: No formal appropriation or vote to spend was taken. Council asked staff to compile a funding plan, confirm grant-application requirements and timelines, and schedule follow-up coordination with EDC and county representatives. Members also noted that the city could rescind prior council resolutions that restrict specific funds if the council chooses, but that legal review would be necessary before any reallocation.

Ending: Council members emphasized the pier’s role in local recreation and tourism and agreed to continue exploring funding options rather than delay further work on a plan.