logo
Cost of power line project balloons as JEA and JAXPORT work out cost-sharing agreement

Cost of power line project balloons as JEA and JAXPORT work out cost-sharing agreement

Yahoo06-02-2025

The cost to raise power lines over the St. Johns River to allow larger cargo ships to deliver goods to JAXPORT continues to balloon.
The promise of attracting larger cargo ships is the driving force behind a plan to raise the power lines near the Dames Point Bridge by 50 feet.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
It was one of the projects highlighted during this year's State of the Port presentation.
'Raising the power lines to give the overhead clearance that's needed to accommodate those ships, you know, we're working closely with JEA, and we're expecting for that project to actually be completed by the end of 2026,' said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green.
The latest cost analysis puts the total price tag on the project at $117 million, which is more than two and a half times the initial estimate of $45 million.
RELATED: Cost of raising power lines over the St. Johns River may increase by millions
FDOT and the city have committed a combined $45 million towards the project, meaning JAXPORT and JEA will have to split the remaining $72 million bill.
Green said a cost-sharing deal is still being worked out between the two companies.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
'We continue to talk about what the cost-sharing looks like. It should come out in the next week or two,' said Green.
As far as JEA is concerned, the rising cost isn't expected to result in any rate increase for consumers, with the utility telling us its share of the project will come from surplus electric revenue generated during last year's hot summer.
RELATED: Costs rise to raise power lines over the St. Johns River near JAXPORT
'JEA's proposed rate adjustments for FY25 are predominantly attributed to obligations to Plant Vogtle, capital projects, and state and federal regulatory requirements,' said a JEA spokesperson in an emailed statement.
And Green argued the commitment from all four partners highlights the importance of the project for the local economy.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
'And when you put all four in, it just shows you know what JAXPORT means to the community, the jobs that we create, so on and so forth,' said Green.
JEA also told Action News Jax the project isn't just about bringing in bigger ships.
The utility said the project will also result in improvements to the resiliency of the power grid and cooperate with new technology that will improve efficiency.
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Florida lawmakers fund another $1.7 billion in I-4 construction projects
Florida lawmakers fund another $1.7 billion in I-4 construction projects

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Florida lawmakers fund another $1.7 billion in I-4 construction projects

Florida is taking additional steps to speed up congestion relief along the I-4 tourist corridor. Last week lawmakers voted to expedite the construction of two express lanes on I-4's busiest stretch in Osceola and Polk Counties and a separate road project that will better connect I-4 to the rest of Osceola County's transportation network. The joint legislative budget commission approved $1.7 billion for the three road projects. 'This week's LBC vote allows funds to move into the current Fiscal Year to ensure FDOT is able to move as swiftly as possible with their delivery,' said Molly Best, a spokesperson for the Governor's office, in an email. The road projects include two express lanes in each direction on a 2.6-mile stretch from east of World Drive to east of U.S. 192 and a 3.1-mile stretch from east of County Road 532 to west of World Drive. The third project is construction of a new 3.5-mile road called the Poinciana Connector. That road will link State Road 429 to the southern portion of Osceola Polk Line Road and connect to I-4. The Central Florida Expressway Authority is planning another road project to connect to the Poinciana Connector, eventually creating a southern highway loop that will ease access throughout Osceola County to I-4. That will involve extending Poinciana Parkway and connecting it to County Road 532. Construction on improvements to surrounding county roads to facilitate this project are scheduled to begin in early 2026, said CFX spokesperson Brian Hutchings in an email. 'This effort aims to increase capacity and enhance connectivity between the future extension of Poinciana Parkway and I-4,' Hutchings said. 'Through close coordination with regional partners, we are delivering a comprehensive transportation solution designed to improve mobility, enhance regional connectivity, and provide lasting traffic relief for our growing community.' Poinciana, an unincorporated part of Osceola County that borders Polk County, has ballooned in population in recent years, and so has traffic. 'We appreciate the continued support of the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis in delivering landmark investments through the Florida Department of Transportation's Moving Florida Forward initiative, bringing real congestion relief to some of Osceola County's most vital transportation corridors,' Osceola County spokesperson Tyler Winik said in an email. The Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative aims to bring congestion relief across the state through a series of projects. Roughly $2.5 billion of the initiative will overhaul I-4 and it's moving quickly. Various improvements along a 14-mile stretch of I-4, including these three projects, were already slated to be completed in ten years —faster than the original estimate of 25 years — and with this $1.7 billion boost key portions should be delivered in less time. The funding comes on the heels of April's announcement that two new lanes on a six-mile stretch of I-4 were added eight months ahead of schedule. FDOT did not respond to request for comment on the latest development.

Major traffic shift begins on CR 210 in St. Johns County
Major traffic shift begins on CR 210 in St. Johns County

Yahoo

time14 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Major traffic shift begins on CR 210 in St. Johns County

A major traffic shift in St. Johns County is causing concerns for some drivers and nearby business owners. The County Road 210 Widening Project from I-95 to US-1 is turning what was a two-lane road into six. Beginning Monday night, traffic will be diverted. All of the traffic in the 0.7 mile strip is going to be moved over to the newly constructed roadway on the other side, making for restricted left turns. The roadway will have two lanes going eastbound and one westbound lane. The shift is expected to be done by the end of the week. Huyen Ngo owns both Sugarcoat Nails and Beary Boba off CR 210. She's been dealing with the widening of the road since her businesses opened in fall 2023. 'It's definitely been very challenging for us,' said Ngo. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] She is worried the new traffic pattern created by the $15 million dollar project is going to cause a safety issue. 'I think it's going to confuse a lot of customers that are used to this older traffic flow now,' said Ngo. 'I know a lot of my younger drivers from my Beary Boba shop are a little bit terrified of this road as well.' The roadway is also getting a new traffic signal, sidewalk, and bike lanes to help alleviate congestion in the area. Nate Gottschalk is the project manager for St. Johns County Road and Bridge Engineering. He tells Action News Jax the project started in January 2024 and was supposed to be finished this fall; however, it's been delayed. 'We've had to add time due to some utility conflicts, weather delays, things of that nature,' said Gottschalk. The project is now expected to be complete in Spring 2026. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Brett's in Fernandina Beach is being demolished: Vote on its replacement
Brett's in Fernandina Beach is being demolished: Vote on its replacement

Yahoo

time17 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Brett's in Fernandina Beach is being demolished: Vote on its replacement

Brett's Waterway Cafe is shutting down, and the City of Fernandina Beach wants the public's input on what should take its place inside the Fernandina Harbor Marina. The current lease between the city and Brett's owners, the Center Street Restaurant Group, ends in December, according to officials. Because of the building's age and structural integrity, the city intends to demolish it at the beginning of the year. Several options have been proposed for construction in its place, including dock and pier extensions, a pavilion, and another restaurant. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< A new survey allows Fernandina Beach residents to vote on their favorite of six designs, ranging in projected costs between $365,000 and more than $3 million. Participants can also choose their preferred way of paying for the project. The two main options provided are paid parking revenue and property tax revenue, but participants may also select a third, 'other,' option. To vote in the survey, click here. To view a more in-depth presentation on the demolition plans and the proposed replacements, click here. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store