Scorpion Anchorage pier reopens after one-year closure

CHANNEL ISLANDS — A damaged pier on Santa Cruz Island was revitalized and reopened to the public after a one-year closure. The pier at Santa Cruz Island’s Scorpion Anchorage, which was built from a flatbed railcar in 2000, resumed operations Dec. 2. It was shut down for repairs in December 2015. An Island Packers ferryboat brought the first round of passengers to the pier. Officials removed the flatbed railcar Nov. 30 and replaced it with an elevated aluminum gangway. The gangway looks like a typical ramp commonly found at any marina or harbor. The aluminum design means the pier is much lighter than the old flatbed railcar and can withstand the salty environment and high surf, according to park officials. Park officials stated the aluminum-designed pier is a short-term solution. Construction of a permanent pier will be completed within two years, according to announced plans. Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Russell Galipeau provided details about the new pier a few months ago. “Faced with this repair, we looked at options for a better fix and one that could be reused when a completely new pier is constructed. We decided that long-term, we needed a solution that did not involve climbing a ladder to the pier and...