Mohave County Greenlights $1.6 Million Revamp of Lake Havasu City’s Site Six Fishing Pier

A 26-year-old fishing pier in Lake Havasu City may soon be replaced, marking a significant upgrade for local anglers and potentially bringing new fishing enthusiasts to Site Six. During a meeting of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors, members voted unanimously to utilize $1.6 million in funding from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act to support this project.

However, not all voices in the community are in favor of the decision. Kris Rodarte, a Kingman resident and vocal critic of federal funding in the county, expressed her disapproval during the meeting. Rodarte challenged the justification for using pandemic relief funds for what she called “pet construction projects,” specifically targeting the fishing pier’s replacement.

“Imagine a county government so intent on keeping the ‘covid lie’ going that it would continue to spend unconstitutional ARPA cash on the replacement of a fishing pier in Lake Havasu,” Rodarte said, criticizing the proposal brought forth by Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson.

She cited a memorandum from Chief Civil Deputy Mohave County Attorney Ryan Esplin, which supported the measure. Esplin argued that the new pier would address the negative physical and mental health effects of the pandemic on residents. Rodarte, however, remained skeptical, questioning the appropriateness of the funding’s application. “Something smells fishy here,” she stated.

Rodarte emphasized the pressing deadline of December 31 for the county to allocate unspent ARPA funds. “If the covid pandemic hadn’t occurred, how would Mohave County have financed a new pier?” she asked.

Despite the objections, county officials noted that the aging pier has seen almost three decades of use and is in decline. It serves as a vital location for individuals without boats to enjoy fishing on Lake Havasu and a place for parents to engage their children in the activity.

Supervisor Johnson noted that the estimated cost for a new pier is approximately $200,000 more than renovating the current structure. The proposal received unanimous approval from the Board of Supervisors, and a contract for construction could be awarded within the year.