Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the status of the Pier?
The Port San Luis Harbor District is responsible for Pier maintenance. As restoration of the Pier will be a multi-year project, Harbor District staff has divided the Avila Pier Repair project into three stages:
- Stage 1: Initial Repairs to Reopen the Pier
The primary objective of these initial repairs is to reopen the pier to its full length. In Stage 1 approximately 50 pilings will be repaired or replaced, all decking out to, but not including, the Pier Terminus (the wider area at the seaward end) will be replaced and made ADA-accessible, new light posts and hand railing will be installed and utilities will be moved to the outside of the railing. Stage 1 repairs began in August 2022 and are expected to be completed by the end of 2025. As of April 2025 the pier is open about halfway--to bent 50, depending on weather and surf conditions. - Stage 2: Repairs to the Boat Landing and Restrooms
- Stage 3: Repairs and Improvements to the Terminus (the wider area at the seaward end)
Who is/are the “Friends of Avila Pier?”
Friends of Avila Pier (FOAP), Inc., is a California Non-Profit corporation exempt from income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and qualified to accept tax-deductible donations, bequests and gifts. FOAP was formed for the sole purpose of assisting in raising funds to preserve, renovate and maintain the Avila Pier. It is through these fundraising actions and activities that FOAP will help preserve the marine heritage and character of the local Port San Luis Harbor District for future generations. All FOAP funds provided to the Harbor District are deposited in a PSLHD bank account designated for Avila Pier and will only be used by the Harbor District for rehabilitation and maintenance of Avila Pier.
Are donations to FOAP tax deductible?
Yes. Friends of Avila Pier (FOAP), Inc., is considered to be a public charity and is exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 501(c)(3). Donors can deduct contributions they make to FOAP under IRC Section 170. FOAP is also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devices, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522.
Whether you may deduct all or only a portion of your donation from your federal adjusted gross income will depend upon your individual tax situation. We suggest you consult with your own tax advisor/preparer for additional guidance.
Are there any other benefits for me beyond the tax deduction?
Yes, depending upon the size of your donation. Any donor—or group of donors—of $1,000 or more will be recognized with a plaque on the refurbished pier, with your name or a dedication to someone else. And donors of $15,000 or more will receive a larger plaque on one of the new light posts or in a prominent position on the pier railing. See the "Donor Plaque Program" page on this website.
How much will it cost for restoration of the Pier?
This is a multi-year project. PSLHD has divided the repair and restoration project into three stages:
- Stage 1: Initial repairs to reopen the Pier. This stage began in August 2022. In Stage 1 approximately 50 pilings are being repaired or replaced, all decking out to, but not including, the Pier Terminus (the wider area at the seaward end) are being replaced and made ADA-accessible, new light posts and hand railing is being installed and utilities are being moved to the outside of the railing.
- Stage 2: Repairs to the boat landing and restrooms.
- Stage 3: Repairs and improvements to the Pier Terminus.
The total project cost was originally (in 2019) expected to be approximately $4.5 million, with Friends of Avila Pier providing about $1 million of that total. That is our fundraising goal. Due to delays in getting the project underway, costs have increased with inflation such that in 2025, although the pier is open about halfway, the Harbor District staff estimates that it will take an additional $4.5 million to complete the project. Nevertheless, FOAP has not increased its fundraising goal beyond the original $1 million.
Isn’t the Port San Luis Harbor District (PSLHD) responsible for maintenance of the Avila Pier?
Yes, and PSLHD has has applied for grants totaling more than $3 million to help with this effort.
Can’t our tax dollars pay for pier restoration?
PSLHD is supported by a special property tax assessment of its district. However, this assessment does not cover all capital, operational and maintenance costs of its piers and beaches.
Why does PSLHD need Friends of Avila Pier to raise funds for this purpose?
PHLHD has applied for several grants for restoration and continues to maintain the Pier, as modified based on the safety issues currently experienced. However, these grants generally require a private community match of funds. Therefore, a public-private partnership was considered to be the most effective means of securing the funds needed to restore the Pier. Currently, FOAP is expected to raise approximately $1 million in matching funds. That is our fundraising goal.
