by Brianne Zorn, Mayor, City of Martinez
As we were gathering with friends and family to kick off the holiday season, the City of Martinez quietly reached a critical milestone in the revitalization of our waterfront: the completion of the in-water work phase of the Martinez Municipal Fishing Pier Renovation Project!
Our Fishing Pier was first built in 1934 and portions were rebuilt in 1976. It has been enjoyed by thousands of area visitors each year, as it is one of the only fishing piers in the State of California where you can fish without a license. However the pier was closed to the public after a safety assessment in 2019 concluded that decades of natural deterioration necessitated significant repairs and renovations.
The in-water improvements to the fishing pier include the installation of grout-filled fiberglass sleeves around approximately 40 damaged timber pilings, repairs to existing decking support system, and repairs to an existing breakwater aluminum sheet pile to block sedimentation into the marina. The next phase of the improvements will include the removal and replacement of damaged existing railings with wood railings and guardrails; the removal of damaged, weathered existing timber decking and replacement with new installation of ADA-compliant decking; installation of an aluminum gangway bridge to the pier’s entrance; new lights and electrical fixtures; and new benches and picnic tables.
The total project budget is $3.1 million, with the primary source of funding a $2.5 million Community Project Funding federal earmark awarded to the City in March 2023, championed by Congressman Mike Thompson and supported by Congressman John Garamendi.
The renovation of the fishing pier is merely the first of many improvements at the Martinez Waterfront, expected in 2025. The fully completed pier is scheduled to reopen to the public in spring 2025.
The City Council has approved a contract with F3 Marinas for the management of our marina which will commence on January 1, 2025. Staff have been evaluating a potential partnership for the renovation and expansion of the bait shop. Additionally, City staff submitted a $20 million grant application to the US EPA to restore the dredged material ponds, refurbish portions of the seawall, and build a community resilience education and events center at the marina. The recipients of the grant are anticipated to be notified in early 2025.