JAXPORT has secured complete funding for the project to raise the Fulton Cut Crossing powerlines over the St. Johns River adjacent to JAXPORT’s Blount Island Marine Terminal.
According to a port’s statement, the Jacksonville City Council voted to award JAXPORT a US$10 million grant toward the project. The City will also provide a US$12.5 million loan and a US$5 million bridge loan, which will be repaid by JAXPORT.
This funding is in addition to a US$22.5 million grant awarded to JAXPORT by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in December 2022.
“With the funding now in place, we look forward to finalising an interlocal agreement with JEA detailing the project’s next steps, including the timeline,” stated Eric Green, chief executive officer of JAXPORT.
The project will provide an operational air draft clearance of 205 feet, an increase from the current clearance of 175 feet. The increased air draft allows more ships to utilize JAXPORT’s newly deepened 47-foot harbor.
An operational air draft clearance of 62.5 metres will be provided by the project, up from the current clearance of 53.3 metres, enabling the port to handle more ships.