Pier construction costs jump by $14 million

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - The cost to build a new pier in St. Petersburg could be much more than originally thought.

Mayor Rick Kriseman wants to take $14 million in money they receive from the county - to beef up the project, bringing the total tab to around $80 million.

The $14 million increase would come from what's called 'TIF' money, which is cash the county government gives the city - to work on specific projects in the downtown area.

The funds became free after an inter-modal transportation facility was voted down.

St. Petersburg's City Council would have to approve the increase - and not everyone is on board, especially in the wake of the city's sewer crisis.

"I'm very concerned," said Councilman Steve Kornell.  "We were given a list of sewer pipes in the downtown area that needed to be repaired."

Ben Kirby, Mayor Kriseman's communications director, said they can't use TIF money for the sewage crisis because the money has to be used downtown where none of the sewage plants are located.

Construction on the new pier should begin in April.