The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers yesterday awarded $17.5 million for the Jacksonville Port deepening project in its FY 2017 Work Plan.
This funding will begin construction of the deep draft navigation improvements at JAXPORT.
Congressman John Rutherford has urged the Army Corps for funding to deepen the Jacksonville harbor, which would bring larger ships, economic growth and jobs to Northeast Florida.
Congressman Rutherford said: “This funding is a great start to the needed dredging at JAXPORT which will allow economic growth and trade to prosper in Northeast Florida. As one of 17 U.S. commercial Ports critical to the nation’s security, the Jacksonville Harbor plays a significant role in the deployment of cargo overseas. It is important that the Port be brought to its fully authorized level, and I look forward to working with the administration so our port can remain the epicenter for national security and job creation.”
Congressman Ted S. Yoho added: “JAXPORT, Florida’s largest container port, is designated by the Department of Defense as vital to national security, and is strategically positioned to accommodate a wide range of global shipping. These mega-sized container ships require a deep draft in order to ship efficiently and cost effectively. The completion of this project will create 15,000 US jobs, have a $24 dollar return for every $1 invested and will improve the shipping industry of Florida.”
Deepening the existing channel will allow for larger vessels to access the channel; therefore reducing transportation costs, providing increased navigational safety, while avoiding or minimizing impacts to environmental resources, USACE said.
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