On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott launched efforts to improve conditions on the St. Johns River for large container ships as Jacksonville gets ready for the Panama Canal expansion.
The state government has backed $43.5 million to clear the Mile Point currents which impact schedules for when ships can enter the St. Johns and port in Jacksonville. While members of the Florida congressional delegation, spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., have been pushing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to handle the project, Congress has not authorized funds for it. Back in early 2013, Scott urged state action, warning that Florida could not wait for the federal government to take the lead.
“Since taking office, my administration has invested more than $850 million in seaport infrastructure improvements in Florida, which has helped make our state a global trade leader and has created thousands of jobs,” Scott said on Tuesday. “In February, I was excited to announce that Volkswagen Group of America chose Jaxport as the location of its import facility and Southeastern distribution center, and in April, I announced Nestle USA was shifting a majority of their U.S.-to-Puerto Rico shipments from the Port of New York and New Jersey to Jaxport. We look forward to welcoming more shippers and businesses to Jaxport because of this important investment.”
The project will restore Great March Island and alter the Mile Point Training Wall in Chicopit Bay near the mouth of the St. Johns to improve the river’s flow.
Political leaders on the First Coast applauded the project’s launch on Tuesday.
"The Mile Point investment will make an already ideal place to do business, get a job and raise a family even better,” said new Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. “When it is completed, it will yield a return on investment for Jacksonville’s economy which will increase opportunity for our people. We are so very grateful for elected leaders, such as Gov, Scott, who really understand the positive impact of our port and who work hard to turn their vision into action."
“Gov. Scott’s leadership has made Florida ports a significant economic driver for the state,” said Rep. Lake Ray, R-Jacksonville, one of the leading experts on port issues in the Legislature. “The Mile Point project will allow Jaxport to continue as an important player in the post-Panamax world.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
