Gov. Rick Scott last month said no to the St. Johns River Ferry Commission’s request for $1 million.
A month later, ferry advocates received much better news.
The Federal Transportation Authority awarded a $6 million grant for the second phase of a slip wall replacement project. The grant goes to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, which took over the ferry service this month.
“It’s always a great day when you can announce that a longstanding problem is finally resolved … and that a secure and stable future is at hand,” said JTA CEO Nathaniel Ford.
The grant was pursued by the commission when the service was under city guidance.
“This is a huge, huge capital improvement,” said City Council member John Crescimbeni, who chaired the commission.
He said the slip walls were built in the 1940s and have been repaired over the years. But a total replacement with improved materials will mean JTA should have a maintenance-free improvement for the next 15-20 years, Crescimbeni said.
Phase One of the project is under construction and was funded through a $3.9 million federal grant that had a $1 million state match. Those upgrades started when the ferry was taken out of service for repairs from January through early March.
The second phase will cost $7.5 million, with the latest federal grant being matched by an undetermined $1.5 million local contribution. Crescimbeni said that money will be found, given the federal dollars available for the project.
When the commission took over the service from the Jacksonville Port Authority in 2012, ridership and revenue was down and there were looming repairs that would cost millions.
Now, ridership and revenue are up and continue positive trends. And the costly slip wall projects have been aided by $10 million in federal grants.
“I never thought we could accomplish all that,” said Crescimbeni.
A celebration of the service’s transfer to the JTA originally planned for Saturday has been postponed until Sunday because of anticipated inclement weather. It will be noon-5 p.m. in Mayport Village.
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