by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
City Council President Ronnie Fussell is very much aware of the crime problem Jacksonville is facing, the potential problems it could cause down the road and the need to address the city’s violent crime rate.
He’s also recognizes that to focus solely on the city’s murder problem would mean neglecting everything else — primarily economic development. Tuesday, Fussell announced the creation of the Seaport and Airport Special Committee. Designed to help legislatively facilitate economic development at the port and Cecil Field, the committee is chaired by former Council President Daniel Davis, who’s joined by Council members Stephen Joost and Art Graham.
“I’m not here to talk about crime, even though I know that’s a priority,” said Fussell. “I am here to talk about jobs.”
Fussell called the port and Cecil the area’s two biggest economic engines. Davis took that a step further.
“Any way I can serve the Council, I’m going to do it,” he said. “The port and Cecil Field are the saviors for our economy and the survival of Northeast Florida.”
Fussell explained the committee will help both the Port Authority and Jacksonville Aviation Authority negotiate the red tape that can often accompany major economic development projects. In addition to the committee, Fussell has asked Council members Ray Holt and Johnny Gaffney to serve as liaisons to the Aviation Authority and Port Authority, respectively. He said both authorities have a long list of goals.
“We have a 6 to 7-year window at the Seaport before the ships start to pour in,” said Fussell, adding the Mitsui deal is done, the Hanjin deal is close to finalized and a third deal with a major cargo shipper is in the works.
Fussell said the committee and the liaisons will be charged with helping facilitate permitting, planning and obtaining federal and state dollars.
“This is a time when we need jobs to offset the negatives in the economy,” said Fussell.
According to Jacksonville Port Authority Executive Director Rick Ferrin, the potential for Jacksonville to be the third-biggest port on the East Coast is more than attainable. He said over the next 10 years, he expects the port to create directly and indirectly between 75,000 and 100,000 new jobs.
“The port will have a $5 billion to $6 billion economic impact annually,” said Ferrin, calling Jacksonville the “gateway to the world.”
Ferrin said the major needs at the port over the next several years will revolve around infrastructure on and around port property, dredging, roads and financing of capital projects.
“There’s planning, permitting and then there’s paying for it,” said Fussell. “I know the ladies and gentlemen behind me can accomplish that goal.”
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