Ala.'s new fishing pier opens July 23

GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP) - One of the Alabama's attractions that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 is finally getting back in business.

State Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley say the new fishing pier at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores will open July 23. Gov. Bob Riley is scheduled to cut the ribbon at 9 a.m.

The $16 million pier is 1,520 feet long, which is nearly twice the length of the old pier. The old pier ended in water about 12 feet deep. The new pier will end in water about 26 feet deep. Conservation officials say that will open up opportunities to catch fish species that were out of reach at the old pier.