Federal Emergency Management Agency money has been released to the local government so the Frederiksted fisherman’s pier can be rebuilt after being demolished in Hurricane Lenny more than five months ago.
After inquires by Sen. Gregory Bennerson, Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett said $22,666 has been allocated by FEMA for the dock. Plaskett said DPNR has started the bidding process by sending a request for proposals to the Department of Property and Procurement.
Bennerson, meanwhile, called the present condition of the dock a safety threat to boaters. He said people now bringing boats or Jet Ski watercraft ashore are risking damage to their vessels because there are no docking fenders to prevent the vessels from colliding into what’s left of the dock.
"The situation at the Frederiksted Fish Market has worsened since I forwarded correspondence to Commissioner Plaskett," Bennerson said. "It’s becoming more difficult for the fishermen to continue making a living with the dock and market in its present condition."
While funding is available to rebuild the dock, Plaskett said that perspective contractors are shying away from the project because the money may not be sufficient to do the job.
"Some contractors don’t think it’s enough," he said. "DPNR engineers think it is."
Plaskett said work would begin as soon as a contract is let.
"We should be able to start construction out there in the near future," he said.
