CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The countdown is on to construct a brand new multi-million-dollar Bob Hall Pier on Padre Island.
Nueces County leaders gathered to break ground at the site Monday morning.
The project has been in the works ever since the old pier was severely damaged by Hurricane Hanna in 2020. It was later deemed unsafe and had to come down.
"You'll start to see some activity a lot more towards the end of October," Nueces County Commissioner Brent Chesney said. "There's a 960 linear feet trestle that's going to be built in the ocean to build the pier that's being disassembled now. It will be brought over, so you're going to start to see some cranes next week they've got 460 days from August 23."
County leaders were joined by island residents to celebrate the rebirth of the iconic fishing and surfing spot during the groundbreaking ceremony.
"We never ever gave up," Chesney told the crowd.
He called the last four years a story of resilience and a team effort to raise the money needed to build the new pier.
"If you think these projects go fast, you're dreaming, we didn't have any money folks. FEMA left us out in the cold," Chesney said.
He explained the county had to come up with the needed $28.5 million for the project.
"FEMA told us no even though they should have told us, yes," Chesney said. "We had to go find $28.5 million. We're not a big county as far as budget, we didn't have that money lying around. It took me a lot of time to put together the funding mechanism because that's my job."
The design calls for the new pier to be higher, longer, wider and stronger to withstand major storms and is expected to last half a century.
Chesney said a restaurant is included in the project.
"This was my favorite spot in the mornings, I come out here and take sunrise pictures," resident Ted Mandel said.
He said he'll be back for opening day.
"Just fond memories and not to have that for four years it's hurtful and so glad it's coming back," Mandel said.
It's an absence felt by many families.
Resident Marilyn Brodeur said she is looking forward to making new memories. She misses the added shade.
"Instead of bringing our beach umbrellas, we would go hide under there it was really nice and we really miss it have to bring our stuff out to the beach," she said. "I hear the new design is beautiful, we are excited to see that really long length, so excited it's coming back."
Chesney expects the new pier to be done by the end of 2025.