With funding provided by a NOAA grant in 2001, the University of New Hampshire has begun construction on its replacement pier and facility in New Castle.

“The replacement pier will provide essential berth space for the small fleet of UNH vessels, and access to the seawater environment, both of which are critical for the university’s world-class, $35 million-per-year marine research activity,” said Jonathan Pennock, director of the UNH Marine Program, in a press release.

The group had been exploring the possibility of building a major research laboratory facility at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye as well, but that part of the project has been put on hold due to rising costs of the New Castle project. UNH’s original vision included building the signature lab at the pier in New Castle, but deed restrictions limited construction space.

As bids were received for the pier complex, costs were much higher than anticipated in 2001. Requirements to investigate historic resources on the Fort Point property, and then to develop and receive approval for plans to preserve and maintain those resources, have added years to the planning process, the school said in the press release.

“The expense of meeting regulatory requirements, coupled with an annual 10 percent rate of inflation in construction costs, have increased the price tag for the pier and support building substantially. The pier alone will cost almost $6 million to renovate,” according to Pennock.

“As a result of these financial realities and looming deadlines for the end of the funding period allowed on the NOAA grant, we do not feel we have the time and resources necessary to continue to explore, with stakeholders, the location of the envisioned marine laboratory on the Seacoast,” he added.