Biloxi’s Lighthouse Pier has a history of being built, destroyed, and rebuilt, with each iteration carrying a distinct financial burden. The financial trajectory of this historic landmark has raised questions regarding the justification for the current $5 million proposal submitted by Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich. This new figure stands in stark contrast to the relatively modest construction cost of $108,688 incurred in 1983. The disparity prompts an examination of how much the city has actually spent on the pier over the last forty years and how those costs compare when adjusted for inflation.
The pier's modern history began with a nine-year effort initiated by William Hubbell in 1974 to rebuild the structure after its destruction in 1947. Construction was completed in May 1983, and the pier officially opened on June 4, 1983. The design and engineering were handled by Gerald Hopkins and Gerald Pitalo of Pitalo Engineering Co. for a fee of just $6,300. J.O. Collins Contractors, Inc. built the pier for a total of $108,688, financed by $60,000 in federal Coastal Energy Impact Program grant funds, $30,000 in Community Development funds, and $18,688 in additional City funding. In 2026 dollars, this initial construction cost is equivalent to $380,139.
The Community Development funds for the original build were approved by Biloxi's Development Commission, which is currently vacant. The commission operates under Chapter 2, Article V of Biloxi's Ordinances. Following the initial construction, Hurricane Elena passed through Biloxi on September 2, 1985, destroying the pier's decking. On April 1, 1986, the City Council approved a $49,900 contract with J.O. Collins Contractor, Inc. for repairs. Work began in April 1986 and was completed by October 1986, approximately 13 months after the hurricane. The actual repair process took about six months, and the cost is equivalent to $153,406 in 2026 dollars.
In 2002, Tropical Storm Isidore struck on September 26, followed by Hurricane Lili on October 3, causing extensive damage to a pier that was already in need of maintenance. The pier remained closed for approximately 14 months before reopening in November 2003. Repairs totaled $127,303, equivalent to $233,512 in 2026 dollars. Wink, Incorporated provided engineering services for $11,681. On August 12, 2003, the City Council approved the repair contract with Bay South Unlimited, LLC. Despite the long closure, repairs were completed and the pier reopened just three months after the contract was approved.
Hurricane Katrina devastated Biloxi on August 29, 2005, destroying the pier once again. It remained closed for five years and four months before reopening on January 10, 2011. The rebuilt 865-foot pier featured a gazebo, lighting for nighttime fishing, and a lowered fishing deck. Wink, Inc. provided design and engineering, while K.R. Borries Construction, Inc. performed the work. Following a third change order on November 30, 2010, the total cost reached $357,804.62, or approximately $535,962 in 2026 dollars.
Hurricane Isaac damaged the pier in August 2012 by destroying the fishing head. On February 19, 2013, the City Council authorized a $14,280 contract with Brown, Mitchell & Alexander, LLC for engineering and bidding services. Twin L. Construction, Inc. performed the repairs for $82,947.06, separate from the design contract. The pier reopened in January 2014, about 16 months after the storm. This construction cost is equivalent to approximately $119,971 in 2026 dollars.
Hurricane Nate struck on the night of October 7, 2017, damaging the decking, railings, and fishing platform. On April 24, 2018, the City Council awarded the repair contract to J.E. Borries Construction, Inc. The pier reopened on July 18, 2018, less than three months after the contract award and following approximately nine months of closure. The total repair cost was $161,599, equivalent to approximately $216,837 in 2026 dollars. Currently, a proposal for up to $5 million is under consideration following damage from Tropical Storm Cristobal and Hurricane Zeta.
