JAXPORT projects move closer to final approval

Two big port projects for Jacksonville are closer to becoming reality.

The House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to support a “Water Bill” crafted by a conference committee including members of both parties from both chambers.

“Generate billions of dollars in economic activity, create hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs, and benefit the nation’s economy as a whole,” says Congresswoman Corrine Brown.

Two projects in Jacksonville are getting authorization through this bill. The first, which has been included all along, would fix a dangerous area of cross currents at Mile Point. This keeps the bigger ships out of Jacksonville for all but a few hours every day because of safety concerns.

The second project was added in conference- dredging the port to 47 feet. JAXPORT says the current depth puts them at a disadvantage when competing for the newer, bigger cargo ships.

“We need to have these large container ships come in, move in to the region, and that brings more trade, more jobs,” says Congressman Ander Crenshaw.

JAXPORT projects dredging would generate more than 14,000 jobs in the next 20 years. The city and state have yet to dedicate the funds needed to contribute to the federal funding.

Northeast Florida is far from the only region to benefit from this more than $12 billion bill.

“That’s government investing in America and doing things to make America stronger,” says Congressman Ted Yoho.

Savannah and other port cities will also see an investment from this bill.  It now heads to the Senate and then the President for final approval.