The City of Martinez celebrated the Grand Reopening of the newly renovated Martinez Fishing Pier on November 8, 2025.
 
The reopening marks the culmination of a multi-year renovation project that began with planning in 2019, when the City Council approved funding for comprehensive inspections and design development. In 2023, the City secured a major win with a $2.5 million federal Community Project Funding (CPF) Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), championed by Congressmen Mike Thompson and John Garamendi. This grant formed the cornerstone of the project’s budget and enabled a transformative upgrade to the pier.
 
Construction began in November 2024 after completing environmental reviews and permitting. DRS Marine, Inc. of Vallejo led the project, starting with underwater structural repairs and enhancements such as installation of new sheet piles, replacement of missing piles, and underwater restoration of damaged supports.

Once foundational work was completed, the pier received extensive topside upgrades including new decking and railings, improved lighting, and the addition of benches, picnic tables, and waste receptacles. The renovation also prioritized accessibility, incorporating ADA-compliant tables, seating, and railings. These structural and topside improvements not only enhance the pier’s functionality and inclusivity, but are also expected to extend its lifespan by another 50 years, ensuring it remains a vibrant community asset for generations to come.

Background: The Martinez Municipal Fishing Pier (“Pier”), was originally constructed in 1934, with various additions and sections rebuilt in 1976. The Pier and surrounding parkland comprise a popular regional recreation area used by thousands of residents and visitors each year. The Pier also hosts a monitoring station for the California Department of Water Resources. 

Over the course of the following decades, the Pier has experienced natural degradation and elements of the existing Pier are reaching the end of their useful life. In September of 2021, the Pier was closed based on health and safety reasons related to structural deficiencies. Following the closure, the City completed temporary repairs and reopened a portion of the Pier; however, the Pier has continued to fall into disrepair and has since closed again. A larger renovation is needed to address the full scope of repairs to restore long-term and safe access to the Pier.  

To cover the cost associated with renovation of the Pier, the City applied for and received a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) grant to ensure the Fishing Pier’s useful life is extended for at least the next 30 years. However, before work on repairs can be initiated and project funds be issued, the City is required to obtain the necessary permits from the appropriate environmental agencies and HUD. The City has been working diligently and since completed the requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and secured all the necessary environmental permits.

As a subsequent action to fulfil HUD and National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) requirements, the City is also required to complete further environmental review to ensure the project would not have a significant impact on the environment. Due to the project’s lack of environmental impacts, the City determined that the project is eligible for a “Categorical Exclusion”.

View the Environmental Review for City of Martinez Municipal Fishing Pier Renovation Project.