JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The St. Johns River Water Management District's governing board Tuesday approved a permit to demolish what's left of the old Fuller Warren Bridge.

The Florida Department of Transportation had requested an environmental resource permit to allow it to take the rest of the span down.

Several people, including St. Johns Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon, have proposed turning the old bridge into a fishing pier instead of tearing it down.

City and state officials said it would cost $2.7 million to convert the remaining span to pedestrian use -- more than the cost of building a fishing pier from scratch. Southbank business interests also oppose the idea because of limited public access and parking in the area.

The work began in 2002, but was halted amid environmental concerns about debris falling into the St. Johns River.

To protect the water quality, the water-management permit will require various demolition techniques for different portions of the bridge. Workers must also use a clamshell dredge to remove debris and place barges below the decking to catch falling debris.

The permit allows the work to be completed anytime within the next five years. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must also approve the project before the DOT can proceed with demolition.