County Judge Aurelio Guerra said today that work on Fred Stone Public Fishing Pier at Port Mansfield has begun. "This long-awaited project is something that we have planned on for a year", said Guerra. "However, there were changes that had to be made to the original pier design in order to make it safer and provide better access to the public. These changes caused a shortage of funding. Thankfully the Port Mansfield Chamber of Commerce partnered with us to help us fund the balance of the cost of renovating the pier."

Port Mansfield Chamber of Commerce is the recipient of new funds that were made possible by the passage of a new county ordinance that allows the collection of a Hotel Tax in Port Mansfield. The new ordinance allows the Hotel/ rental companies to collect a three percent tax from a lodger. The funds are then sent to the County treasurer. Port Mansfield Chamber of Commerce is allowed to utilize those funds to make improvements in the Port Mansfield area.

"Those funds were meant to boost the economy", said Commissioner Eddie Chapa who was instrumental in the passage of the ordinance and is spearheading the renovation project that is located in his precinct. "In addition the percent that is being collected will increase from three percent to seven percent proportionately over the next four years. The Chamber will utilize these funds to make the waterways of Port Mansfield more accessible to the public", Chapa explained. "We believe these funds will aid in bringing more fishermen and visitors to this area, Commissioner Eliberto “Beto” Guerra added.

Project Engineer Raul Flores of Flores Engineers, a consulting engineering firm located in Raymondville, explained some of the new modifications in design were made for the purpose of promoting safety at the pier in addition to repairing the damages caused by Hurricane Dolly. "The original pier had a safety railing on one side of the pier; the renovation will now include safety rails on both sides. The Commissioners had a concern that children or elderly would fall from the pier." Flores explained. In addition the pier will include a shelter from the sun midway down the pier. "This will allow people such as our winter Texans or non fishermen to enjoy sitting down in comfort and enjoying the view" Flores said.

The pier will also include a larger T Head at the end of the pier, "green" fishing lights, and handicap slots for wheelchair bound fishermen. Total cost of the project is $38,000. L & A Home Construction Company from Port Mansfield is the contractor. It is estimated that the project should be complete in thirty days. The pier is presently closed while construction is underway and the public is requested not to try to use it. A separate area for fishing is available on the south side of town.