Seaside Vacations

  Jenette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC is moving closer to being rebuilt.  North Carolina’s Aquarium Agency will begin taking bids on the pier project this week, and the goal is to have the project completed 16 months after awarding the contract, by May 2010. 

The state acquired Jennette’s pier last year, and it was demolished this year in preparation for the new pier project.  The original pier was built in 1939, well before advances in construction technology were developed to aid in withstanding potential hurricane damage.  The original pier lost approximately 540 feet of length due to Hurricane Isabel in 2003. 

The new pier will reach 1,000 feet into the ocean and be designed to withstand 130 mph winds.  In addition, the project will incorporate alternative energy technology.  Three 100 foot wind turbines are planned along the pier to reduce electrical costs, and a rain collection system and geothermal heating and cooling system are also planned.

The Aquarium Agency intends to promote marine and coastal education and recreational opportunities to the local constituents and vacationers in the area.