Piers still in shambles

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- The fishing piers at Seaside Park and Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport have been shut down since Tropical Storm Irene hit nearly one year ago.

"It's been a long process," said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.

That's how Bridgeport's mayor describes the process of re-building the popular fishing piers.

"Put a move on. They can push a little bit," said Giovanni Florio. "I know it's just a pleasure for us, they're not making any money off of it but hey it's good for us."

The problem, the mayor says, is that it's taken a long time to get the funding approved by FEMA and the state to rebuild the pier.

"You understand everything has to be buttoned up and everything has to balance but it's wooden planks," Finch said.

"I wish he could fix this, especially now for the summer," said Joe Rodriguez. "When it's hot, you'd be out here and it's nice."

This area is so popular for fishermen that they're still determined to come out here and fish but since they can't fish off the pier they've resorted to other options.

"It should be fixed," Florio said. "Come on guys, I know it's a few bucks but the city's got some cash."

Two fishing piers in the city were damaged in the storm. FEMA approved funding for one pier a month ago and just last week approved funding for the other. Now the city has to wait for the state to sign off.

"The mayor should put his foot down and get it fixed," Rodriguez said. "I mean it would help the community."

FEMA has approved more than $379,000 for the fishing pier at Seaside Park and more than $1.8 million for the Pleasure Beach pier. FEMA will pay 75% of those costs, and the city will cover the rest.

"Our 25% is sitting there waiting to go and has been sitting there waiting to go for some time," Finch said.

He's hoping the state signs off before another fishing season is cast away.