With a new process in place, the City's Waterways Commission last Monday began reviewing a list of potential waterways projects that could be assisted by Florida Inland Navigation District funding.
Enacted Aug. 15, Ordinance 2012-402 requires time for City Council and the commission to review projects the City selects before submitting applications April 1 to the district.
Previously, the City would develop a list of projects, submit applications and request a resolution of support from Council for the applications after they were presented.
The commission's district subcommittee met to review the list of possible projects with committee Chairman Gary Anderson and member Ralph Hodges present.
City Chief of Waterfront Management Programing Tera Meeks and City Dockmaster Jim Suber told the committee improvements to floating docks at Sister Creek boat ramp, shoreline stabilization at the Alimacani dock and lighting at four 24-hour boat ramps were the top three priorities for the City.
The four ramps are Arlington Lions Club Park, Beach Boulevard Boat Ramp, Wayne B. Stevens Boat Ramp and Sisters Creek.
The Sisters Creek project involves a redesign of the floating dock. Meeks reported silt building up at the dock, causing a problem for the floating docks.
"A short-term fix could be dredging, but that is not sustainable. A long-term fix is the dock redesign," said Meeks.
The estimated cost for the project is $100,000 and the City would apply for $50,000 from the district and match those funds if awarded.
The City annually hosts the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament at Sisters Creek.
The Alimacani dock project would restore some of the shoreline that has eroded near the dock structure. The cost estimate for the project is $633,810. The City would split the cost with the district if approved.
The lighting improvements are estimated to cost $244,200 and the City plans to apply for district funding to cover half the cost.
"Why wasn't this done when the boat ramps were originally designated open 24 hours?" asked Hodges.
"Funding wasn't available," replied Suber.
Other projects discussed were dredging of the Harborview and Charles Reese Boat Ramps along the Ribault River.
Meeks explained that the Harborview project was being handled as a capital improvement and Suber described the Reese project as an opportunity to fix a "broken window" in the community.
Meeks told the committee mattresses, shopping carts and other materials recently had been removed from the area.
Previously denied by the commission, a proposed kayak launch at Sidney Gefen Riverwalk Park remained on the list with a new design that does not include rebuilding the riverwalk bridge. Costs for the kayak launch design is estimated at $90,000.
"The FIND process will be interesting this year with a new process that allows City Council to review the projects before they are applied for and with the St. Johns River Ferry under the City's control," said John Crescimbeni, Council and commission member.
The review allows the Council to have a say in what the City commits to, he said.
District funding usually is granted in two stages, design and construction, said Jody McDaniel, planner for the City's Planning and Development Department.
Crescimbeni was wary of obligating the City to projects that could balloon in cost at the construction phase.
"Why spend money on design if it is going to cost too much to complete? In these tough economic times we have to look at the big picture and consider who will benefit from these projects and if it is worth the total cost," said Crescimbeni.
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