JAXPORT's harbor deepening project receives $32 million federal investment for construction on second segment

Jacksonville, FL — It's a major--and needed-- boost for the Jacksonville Port Authority.

A few months after construction kicked off on the first segment of JAXPORT's Jacksonville Harbor Deepening Project, we've learned the project is now receiving a more than $32 million federal investment to continue the project.

A JAXPORT spokesperson tells WOKV this $32 million investment is the federal contribution for this year which will go toward the project's second segment, which has just been put out for bid. Last year, JAXPORT received a federal commitment of $21.5 million.

"Clearly, these new federal dollars show this is a project of national importance. And clearly, the international cargo industry is taking note of the commitment to our future as our Asian container volumes continue double digit growth each year. This cargo growth equals jobs and opportunity for the citizens and businesses of Northeast Florida," says Nancy Rubin with JAXPORT.

It's expected that when the project is complete, it will create 15,000 new jobs, with an estimated $24 return for every $1.00 invested.  The entire project is expected to cost $484 million. 

Congressman John Rutherford's office says he's continued to request funding for JAXPORT and the project, including writing a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney. Read that HERE.

At this time, JAXPORT says the deepening project is running on schedule.