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County reviews Green Bridge pier replacement costs; Palmetto ferry dock and Washington Park dredge move forward
Summary
Officials said Green Bridge fishing pier requires demolition and replacement; demolition is estimated north of $7 million and replacement options range from $10–$17 million. County and Palmetto also discussed a planned ferry dock at the Palmetto Estuary Preserve, dredging for beneficial use at Washington Park, and boat‑ramp needs.
County staff and city officials discussed multiple waterfront projects on March 3, including the aging Green Bridge fishing pier, a planned ferry dock at the Palmetto Estuary Preserve, dredge material beneficial use at Washington Park and broader boat‑ramp needs.
Chad (county staff) and engineering consultants briefed the group on the Green Bridge fishing pier, which county officials said dates to the 1920s and has extensive concrete deterioration. County staff described the pier as unsafe in its current condition and said inspections after recent storms identified structural and electrical deterioration. Staff reported preliminary cost estimates: demolition north of $7 million (partly offset by RESTORE funds from the BP oil‑spill settlement) and replacement options ranging roughly from $10 million to $17 million, plus about $1.6 million for design; the existing pier is about 2,100 feet long and 34 feet wide, and many replacement options considered are shorter structures.
Why it matters: The Green Bridge pier is a long‑standing recreational asset for Palmetto and Manatee County; officials said the structure cannot be sustained indefinitely with piecemeal repairs and that replacement would be costly.
Several commissioners noted the pier’s recreation value and discussed funding choices. County staff and commissioners mentioned tourism/TDC (tourist development) funds as a possible revenue source to help pay; one county official cautioned the standard penny of TDC income would take years to collect and would not fully pay for an elaborate replacement with amenities.
Separately, the county and Gulf Island Ferry Service consultants described planning for a ferry dock at the Palmetto Estuary Preserve. Consultants said the site will require dredging to achieve navigable depths (roughly 8–9 feet for larger ferry vessels). The county said it has issued a purchase order to a coastal engineering consultant and will hold a design and permitting kickoff meeting in the coming week.
County natural resources staff provided an update on Washington Park, where Corps of Engineers dredge material is being beneficially reused. Staff said the Corps expects to deliver dredge material and contour the site; Manatee County will cover additional soil, contouring and planting after the Corps work is complete, and the county’s community center and park construction are funded and underway.
Ending: Officials said they will continue engineering studies and permitting for the ferry dock, evaluate funding options for the Green Bridge pier replacement and coordinate on Washington Park completion and boat‑ramp planning.
