San Mateo County ratifies local emergency to seek state assistance after Pacifica pier damaged

San Mateo County’s Board of Supervisors voted June 23 to ratify and extend a proclamation of local emergency for the Pacifica Municipal Pier after the city closed the decades‑old structure because of extensive damage.

County staff said Pacifica notified regional authorities in early June after inspectors found severe structural problems that led the city to close the pier. The county executive told the board the proclamation is intended to help Pacifica seek a governor’s emergency declaration that could unlock state emergency funds and, if granted, allow the county to pursue additional federal resources.

A Pacifica representative thanked the board and county staff for the speed of the response, calling the pier “a regional asset” used for fishing, tourism and recreation. The county executive said the request to the governor would seek funding from the Office of Emergency Services and other discretionary sources; if the state declaration is granted, county staff will pursue any available federal assistance.

The board approved the resolution by roll call. Supervisors present voted to ratify the emergency; two supervisors were recorded absent. The proclamation does not itself appropriate money but positions the county to apply for state and federal assistance should Pacifica’s requests be accepted.

The board discussion noted the pier’s regional economic and recreational value and asked staff to coordinate with Pacifica and state agencies on next steps and funding options. County staff said the state’s emergency funding pools are the likely first source and that any federal request would follow if the state declaration is approved.

Next steps: county staff will assist Pacifica in assembling materials for a state emergency declaration and will keep the board advised of any funding decisions or requests for county action.