WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker today announced final approval of a $1.08 million federal grant for the reconstruction of the city of Waveland’s 800-foot-long Garfield Ladner Memorial Recreational Pier.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in consultation with congressional appropriations committees, has given final approval for the $1.08 million to support the reconstruction of the Waveland recreational pier that suffered extensive damage due to Hurricane Katrina.  This award will bring federal funding approved for this project to more than $4.0 million.

“The Garfield Ladner Pier is being restored to again make it a community asset and an economic draw for Waveland.  Rebuilding this pier, destroyed at ground zero for Hurricane Katrina, is one of the many projects being undertaken to continue our rebound from that calamity,” said Cochran, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds FEMA. 

“The Garfield Ladner Pier is an important landmark in Waveland, and its restoration represents another significant step in rebuilding the community and bringing renewal to the Gulf Coast,” said Wicker.
         
Federal funding is being used to support restoration of the pier to its pre-disaster design, capacity and function, including required code upgrades and hazard mitigation.  The repairs will include the replacement of electrical and plumbing utility hook-ups, including lighting and sanitary facilities, and complete roadway reconstruction.

The Garfield Ladner Memorial Recreational Pier consisted of a wood-constructed elevated walking deck, the bait shop, ranger station structures, pagoda pavilions, and restroom facilities.