Jeannette’s Pier in Nags Head reopens Saturday

NAGS HEAD, NC (AP) — The first state funded and operated
fishing pier in North Carolina will open Saturday where privately
owned Jennette’s Pier was destroyed in a 2003 hurricane.

The StarNews of Wilmington reported the reconstruction cost $25
million and includes classrooms, marine life exhibits and a
1,000-foot-long concrete fishing pier built to withstand strong
hurricanes.

Grand opening ceremonies will start with a demonstration by
members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute team.

The pier in Nags Head is one of three public piers planned by
the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the state’s Department
of Environment and Natural Resources.

A pier in Emerald Isle is in the design phase. A third, proposed
for Carolina Beach, is on hold because of state budget cuts.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)