by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Hoping to establish a running dialogue with the Super Bowl Host Committee, the Jacksonville Waterways Commission has appointed commission and City Council member Art Graham as a liaison between the groups.
“Aside from [Alltel Stadium], we understand the center of the Super Bowl and all of the related activities are going to be on the waterfront,” said City Council member Lynette Self, who also chairs the Waterways Commission. “We have a lot of experience there.”
Self originally thought of assembling a subcommittee to focus on the Super Bowl but reconsidered before selecting Graham.
“We are familiar with the various permitting agencies and we could, possibly, give them assistance as the game approaches,” said Self. “We can save them a lot of time and effort and give them support they may not already have.”
Currently, the Host Committee has had some preliminary contact with the Coast Guard through its Marine Subcommittee.
“I’m also sure boater safety is going to be an issue around that time, too,” said Self.
Self, who said Graham’s role will likely be informal and on an “as needed basis,” contacted Host Committee president and chief operating officer Michael Kelly earlier in the week to inform him of her plans.
“[Kelly] feels the same way,” she said. “This is a whole new experience for the Super Bowl and for Jacksonville and we all want it to run as smoothly as possible.”
Host Committee representatives Pat Duncan and Heather Surface said they welcome Graham’s support.
“Any time a person or group wants to lend their support, it’s a good thing,” said Surface. “Obviously the Waterways Commission has a lot of experience working with the St. Johns River so we’re delighted to have them on board with us.”
Duncan, who oversees much of the logistical challenges of the Super Bowl, agreed.
“A lot of traffic is going to be coming through the river during the Super Bowl,” said Duncan. “And, with their help, we can better make sure it looks the same when the game is over and everyone has gone home.”
And aside from offering a helping hand, Self said Graham will also serve one more vital role.
“He can help all of us on the Waterways Commission and the City Council stay informed,” said Self. “We don’t like the idea of finding out everything from the newspapers.”