One year after Matthew, Oak Island pier is still closed

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Nearly one year ago, Hurricane Matthew’s enormous waves did a number on Oak Island’s pier.

In the aftermath of the storm, debris had to be cleaned from the beach.

Then five months after Matthew, the pier closed indefinitely and it still hasn’t been reopened.

At the time, people we spoke with said the pier was such a big part of their lives.

“I just think it would be devastating for the community, especially with all the new people that have come in. It’s a very enjoyable place to come. It’s always been very well maintained, it’s well disciplined, and it’s just a good family place to be,” said resident Ken Grymala on March 9, 2017.

“My boyfriend’s grandpa always comes to this pier and fishes and he brings us and we always catch good stuff, so it’s kind of weird to see it broken down,” said resident Brittany Charles on October 9, 2016.

After the destruction of the current hurricane season, FEMA froze funds earmarked for Hurricane Matthew recovery projects in our state. That freeze was lifted Monday.

In addition to money from FEMA, the pier will be rebuilt with money from the Coastal Area Management Act and the Golden Leaf Foundation.

The town hopes to award a bid to a construction company at their November council meeting.

So the ball may finally start rolling on the rebuilding of one of Oak Island’s most precious landmarks.

Be sure to stick with WWAY this week as we continue to check in with different communities that were affected by Hurricane Matthew one year ago.