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Clay County residents voice concerns on future county road projects

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — Leaders in Clay County hosted a meeting to discuss the bonded transportation program, where neighbors learned what’s next for future projects on county roads in the area.

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The meeting was held at Russell Baptist Church, and the county is hoping these future projects can help improve traffic flow there, but not every resident is on board with the idea.

Currently, there are seven road projects that Clay County looks to either add or expand existing traffic lanes. County leaders say it’s all to help ease traffic flow from the First Coast Expressway that looks to come to the area.

Edwin Dendor, with the county, says there’s a reason why these projects are so important for the county.

“There is a considerable amount of growth and again with new roads, new instructor roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks all to connect interconnectivity with the public,” says Dendor.

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According to Clay County officials, these projects will cost a combined $129 million but will be funded through infrastructure sales tax bonds. County residents will be charged a 1-cent tax each year over 20 years.

Action News Jax spoke with Jake Gant, who was very vocal in tonight’s meeting. He is worried about the impact it will have on his family’s property.

“We’ve learned that there is a road going straight through our family’s property and we’ve been here since the 1960s,” says Gant.

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Gant also realized there is not much his family can do about the increase in development in Clay County.

“They built too much before they could even handle it. I think proper planning could’ve made this a lot different of a scenario,” says Gant.

The county tells Action News Jax that all of these projects are expected to be finished by the end of 2024, before the First Coast Expressway opens in early 2025.

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