The proposed fishing pier at the old Severn River bridge most likely will be 280 feet, now that state transportation officials are coming around to the idea and the state Department of Natural Resources has decided not to fight for a longer pier.
"We are leaning toward going with a shorter length at this point," said Liz Kalinowski, State Highway Administration spokeswoman. "It makes the most sense."
The pier would be fashioned from the remains of the old bridge and extend into the Severn River from Jonas Green State Park near Annapolis. Though some neighbors wanted the pier to be 560 feet, others are satisfied with the shorter length.
"I am glad the State Highway Administration is leaning toward the 280 feet," said Steve Carr, a resident of the adjacent Ferry Farms community. "I'll be overjoyed when they fall over completely into that camp."
Ms. Kalinowski said the agency will not make a final decision without first hearing from a group that says a 560-foot pier could serve as a cultural center during the summer. The idea has divided the community.
Ms. Kalinowski said the group, formed by Anne Arundel County Council Chairwoman Diane R. Evans, could alter its plans to accommodate a 280-foot pier. The group had talked of having the pier redecked with bricks donated by individuals.
None of the group's members was available for comment yesterday.
Last December, SHA officials said they would consider having a 560-foot pier instead of the original 280-foot pier. In recent months, however, the agency received letters supporting the original length, Ms. Kalinowski said.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which had issued a permit in 1991 for a 280-foot pier, sent the agency a strongly worded letter, dated Dec. 19, reminding the agency that, "All other portions of the existing bridge, including the entire substructure, are to be removed."
SHA contracted to leave only the 280 feet extending from Jonas Green State Park because that part of the old bridge had been rebuilt in 1979. The rest of the 1924 bridge was structurally unsound, and demolition began last year on that section when the replacement bridge opened.
State officials say the remaining section would have to be refurbished if it were to become a pier.
Torrey C. Brown, state secretary of natural resources, said in a letter last week to David L. Winstead, state transportation secretary, that he wants to go ahead with the pier as planned. Mr. Brown noted that federal authorities are opposed to reopening the issue of having a longer pier.
Kenneth E. Shanks, a DNR planner heading a new advisory committee for the pier project, said the pier's length ought to be decided before any other related issue.
"It's something that is kind of pivotal for everything else," he said.
Mr. Shanks' committee will hold its first meeting at 5:30 p.m. today at the agency's Annapolis headquarters. Members of SHA's former bridge oversight committee are among those invited to serve on the committee.
The public also is invited.
The committee will look into such things as lighting, parking and accessibility for the disabled. DNR will manage the pier which, like the old bridge, will be a place where people can fish without a license.
A group of investors has proposed doing landscaping or improvements around the bridge in exchange for the state fTC allowing them to put a few small businesses on the south side of the bridge. An abandoned restaurant is now on the site.
Sean Logan, a Crofton lawyer and one of the investors, said the group has considered a cafe, tavern and other possibilities for the site.
"We are looking to improve the area," Mr. Logan said.