by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Explanations and accusations flooded the Jacksonville Waterways Commission’s meeting Thursday as the Florida Department of Transportation defended its proposal to dump chunks of the old Fuller Warren Bridge into the St. Johns River.
Demolition on the unused structure began over two years ago, but stalled after contractors allowed large pieces of concrete and steel to fall into the river instead of removing them as the original permit specified.
Despite that violation, the contracting firm was not fired, the submerged bridge remnants were never removed and now that modified plan may resume, providing a handful of permitting agencies climb on board.
“We have to move forward,” said FDOT’s Jim Knight. “And after reviewing all of our options we believe we’ve selected the method that is cost effective and environmentally sound. It also presents the least amount of risk to construction workers.
Had the contractor gotten the correct permit . . . the bridge would already be at the bottom of the river.”
Unsure how much concrete would actually remain in the river, Knight spent the better part of an hour attempting to assuage the frustrated Commission.
“What’s being proposed now doesn’t any make sense. It’s unacceptable,” said Commission chair Lynette Self.
Self, who called the special meeting, was also responsible for leading similar City Council opposition last month.
“It’s wrong,” she said. “There is a segment of the community, that includes me, that is very concerned about what’s being proposed and what the St. Johns River Water Management District may allow.
“How can we allow someone to violate a contract and then let them continue doing the wrong thing. What kind of message is that supposed to send?”
Commission member Jim Tullis agreed.
“They didn’t follow the demolition plan,” he said. “When that happened the contract should have been canceled.
“We’re overlooking that because we’re concerned about cost.”
Present and among many taking notes, were representatives from the SJWMD, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Coast Guard.
Each permitting agency said they had reviewed the FDOT’s proposal, though none has publicly taken a position.
“We want to be clear and up front while we try to understand what’s already in the river,” said the SJWMD’s David Miracle.
In its research, Miracle said existing debris did not present any “navigational or environmental hazards.”
“In all honesty I think it would be more detrimental to the environment if we tried to remove the concrete that’s already gone in,” he said. “And as far as what’s being proposed for the rest of the bridge, I’m technically comfortable with the plan, but our Governing Board will have to approve it.”
Miracle said the board will take a position at its Tuesday meeting and Self is hopeful they will be mindful of the Commission’s strong opposition.
“I believe we’ve gotten our message across,” she said. “If this
doesn’t carry some weight with the various agencies that can allow this to happen, shame on them.”