Cargo Business Newswire

Friday, April 18, 2014

Jaxport receives Army Corps okay for dredging project

Jaxport recently announced it has received approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Jacksonville Harbor Deepening Project. The next step in the process would be congressional authorization via the upcoming Water Resources Development Act.

The port plans to dredge its harbor to 47 feet from its current 40 feet depth, in order to accommodate bigger container ships. Jaxport CEO Brian Taylor said project will cost approximately $684 million, and since Corps approval qualifies Jacksonville for the water bill, the federal portion of the money will likely follow.

Pending Congressional approval, port officials say dredging could start in 2016 and the project is slotted for completion by 2019-2020.

"Everyone who cares about the future economic vitality of North Florida and the competitiveness of U.S. global trade should mark this as a red letter day," said Jaxport CEO Brian Taylor. "Thanks to the perseverance and tenacity of our congressional and local representatives, the support of our local business and elected officials and the commendable work of our Jacksonville District and Corps leadership, the benefits of this project in terms of jobs, opportunity and national competitiveness are moving closer to reality."