Jacksonville, FL — Funding to complete the second phase of JAXPORT’s harbor dredging project has been committed, according to Jacksonville Congressman John Rutherford.
Rutherford says the US Army Corps of Engineers has slated $46 million for the project in its FY 2019 Work Plan, which will cover the final funding needed for the five-mile stretch. The USACE recently awarded the $210 million contract for that phase, which is expected to take several years to complete.
The first three miles of the total eleven-mile project is already underway. The harbor is being deepened from 40 feet to 47 feet, in order to accommodate larger ships with deeper drafts.
JAXPORT says the project is vital for keeping them competitive when catering to the needs of these newer, larger ships. Rutherford says JAXPORT plays a key role in commercial trade, Puerto Rican trade, and military cargo support, so it is deserving of the federal government’s continued investment.
Supporters of the project say it will generate 14,000-15,000 new jobs in our area and provide a substantial return on investment. Critics argue more should be done to assess and address environmental concerns, although the USACE says that is already being done.
Funding for future phases of this project is still to be determined. The overall project is expected to cost more than $480 million.
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