The work program, which the Legislature will vote on in early 2016, lists money for hundreds of projects in the Northeast Florida area. Johns dredging worthwhile group wants more in mitigation work Related: In pursuit of federal money, JaxPort considers scaled-back, cheaper dredging plan Johns Riverkeeper to challenge river-dredging project in federal court Johns River watchdog, but don't rule out more protections Related: Dredging suit uphill battle for St. The state Department of Transportation included the $10 million as part of a proposed five-year work program unveiled during a public hearing Tuesday night. 'It's a statement that we are in the game,' he said. Lake Ray, R-Jacksonville, said dredging in Jacksonville still has hurdles to clear before the state can commit to pre-financing, so at this stage, $10 million is a satisfactory amount for 2016-17.

Johns River and argue the economic benefits don't justify such a large amount of tax dollars. The proposed budget for the following year started July 1, 2016, would add another $10 million.ĭredging supporters say it's needed to keep Jacksonville competitive with other Southeast ports and will bring thousands of jobs when giant cargo ships dock here.Ĭritics say dredging will harm the ecology of the St. In contrast to the Deep Dredge in Miami's port, where the state put deepening on a fast track by paying $112 million, the approach in Jacksonville has been a slow but steady show of support.įor the 2015-16 budget, the state set aside $15.5 million for deepening Jacksonville's ship channel. Jacksonville's pursuit of deeper ship channel stands to get $10 million in 2016-17 from the state Department of Transportation - a small down payment toward the total cost of $684 million for blasting a deeper channel so huge cargo ships can come to Jacksonville.

Cost to dredge small channel