By MADDY VITALE
Sea Isle City is just months away from adding a new attraction to entice visitors to come and remind residents why they chose to make their home in the resort, when a new kayak launch site and fishing pier opens in the spring.
The project extends 132 feet out into the bay and includes the fishing pier and a handicap-accessible launch facility for kayaks and paddle boards as well as decorative lighting. It also has a “passive pier” featuring a covered pavilion.
Initially, officials expected the pier and launch facility, which is near 60th Street at the Dealy Field recreation complex, to be completed by the end of this year.
However, with delays in material supplies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was pushed back a few months, Sea Isle City Public Information Officer Katherine Custer explained.
The contractor’s construction schedule also was limited by the bay tides while installing the piles. A high tide was needed to float the barge that served as the platform for the pile-driving machinery, Custer added.
Custer said that the city’s engineer recently spoke with the contractors who are doing the work.
“We anticipate the project to be completed in the next few months in time for the spring,” Custer said.
While it may be taking a bit longer than expected, it is nearing completion and is worth the wait, she added.
“Unfortunately, we did experience some delays with material supplies. The COVID-19 has a very long reach as we all know,” she said. “It affects many aspects of our lives and this project is one of them.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had awarded a federal permit for the recreational facility. The city received a $935,605 grant from Cape May County’s Open Space Board to help pay for it. EZ Docks South submitted the low bid of $975,550 to win the construction contract.
“Much of the work has been completed. We are all looking forward to this project enhancing our recreation options in Sea Isle City,” Custer added. “We expect the facility to get a great deal of use and make many people happy.”
