St. Joseph Lighthouse upgrades expected to start this week

The City of St. Joseph is about to give their lighthouse and the area surrounding it an upgrade. And it could affect your plans to hit the pier this week.

The City Commission met Tuesday and voted to amend a contract for work on the catwalk. That work is expected to start this week, closing off the pier to visitors.

Assistant City Manager John Hodgson says the project is still in need of more money, but the commission is moving forward with at least the first part of the redevelopment.

The construction is part of the rehab project from the Lighthouse Forever Fund.

The city says this repair is needed because the federal government doesn't own the light houses anymore. Mother Nature has taken her toll on the structures, meaning the fix to water and wind damage is in the city's hands.

The fund's goal is to raise $2 million. According to their website, they are 75 percent of the way there.