by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
As the Jacksonville Port Authority continues its pursuit of elite status in the shipping and logistics industries, its board approved grants from the state totaling nearly $13 million for berth and wharf reconstruction improvement projects.
The port authority board of directors discussed funding options for improvements at its terminals during its meeting Monday.
It approved two joint participation agreements between the port and the Florida Department of Transportation.
The port authority applied for grant funding with the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council, which allocated $10 million in grant funding for fiscal year 2011-12 with a required match from the port.
The FDOT is the state agency authorized to administer the grant program. The funding will be used for berth reconstruction projects at Blount Island.
The second agreement also was allocated by the seaport transportation and economic development council and administered by FDOT.
The grant provides $2,687,500 from the council and requires $895,833, or 25 percent of
the project cost, from the port.
The money will be used for berth and wharf reconstruction improvement projects at the Talleyrand and Blount Island marine terminals.
Port CEO Paul Anderson told the board there could be better port funding news on the way, but didn’t want to provide details until the funds were allocated.
“We continue to work with the state to find cost-sharing opportunities,” said Anderson.
The board also approved the bids for railroad rehabilitation at Blount Island Marine Terminal and annual maintenance dredging for the port authority.
The port received four conforming bids for the railroad project.
The board followed the recommendation of its engineering department and awards committee and selected Southern National Track for the project for an amount not to exceed $5,543,999.04.
Atlas Railroad Construction; Veoila Transportation, Maintenance and Infrastructure; and Balfour Beatty Rail also submitted bids, but Southern National Track was the lowest bidder by about $800,000.
The annual maintenance dredging contract drew three bids. Manson Construction Co. was the winning bidder at $17,702,000 over three years. Orion Dredging LLC, $32,129,832, and Cashman Inc., $37,199,275, were the other two bidders.
The board also welcomed its newest member, John Anderson.
He most recently served as president and chief operating officer of Patriot Transportation Holding Inc., a transportation and real estate firm. Anderson also served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“The personnel here have done a great job getting me up to speed on the issues concerning the port,” said Anderson.
“The river tour was great. Before I went on that trip I couldn’t comprehend that those big ships would have a problem with the currents at Mile Point, but seeing it from the water really helps your comprehension of the problem,” he said.
The new executive board was seated for its first meeting as well.
It included Chairman Buck Fowler, Vice Chairman Reginald Gaffney, Treasurer Stephen Busey and Secretary Jim Citrano.
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