During yesterday’s videoconference, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry signed legislation approved by City Council for additional funding for the ongoing deepening project at JAXPORT.
“This bill represents a significant win for our city, the growth of our local economy, and our reputation as a logistics hub for the southeastern United States,” said Curry.
“With my signature, this bill will allocate a $35 million grant and $40 million loan toward the completion of the harbor deepening project. I am grateful for Eric Green and his team at JAXPORT, and our state and federal partners for their support and confidence in our city.”
City Council voted 17-0 on July 28 to authorize Ordinance 2020-377, which includes a $35 million grant and the bridge loan to be used in the final contract for a $484 million, 11-mile portion of the Jacksonville harbor deepening project.
Curry’s signature commits the city to another $25 million grant in the fiscal year 2020-21 budget with the option to increase that amount by $10 million if needed, according to a summary filed with the bill.
JAXPORT plans to deepen the 13-mile shipping channel from 40 to 47 feet from the Atlantic Ocean to the Dames Point Marine Terminal. The project is divided into four segments.