NE Florida News

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) and U.S. Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) announced $15.6 million in new federal funding for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). The federal grant, awarded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), will go towards purchasing a new diesel hybrid-electric ferry to provide additional St. Johns River Ferry service.

“Here in Northeast Florida, our ferry system is a critical part of our transportation network connecting residents to their jobs and families,” said Congressman Bean. “As ridership continues to grow, I’m proud to have helped secure this $15.6 million grant to ensure that JTA can provide reliable ferry service without disruptions across the St. Johns River. In Congress, I’ll continue to support solutions that make transit more affordable and efficient for all Floridians.”

“The St. Johns Ferry serves as an indispensable connector for Florida’s State Road A1A,” said Congressman Rutherford. “Repairs and maintenance to the one vessel currently running back and forth across the St. Johns River, however, mean unnecessary delays and closures for Northeast Floridians who rely on this service daily. That’s why I was proud to help secure a grant from the Federal Transit Administration for an additional ferry to prevent disruptions in this essential service and to ensure our piece of Florida’s iconic thoroughfare remains connected.”

"The St. Johns River Ferry is an iconic mode of transportation for Northeast Florida, providing important connectivity for the Ft. George Island and Mayport areas," said JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford. "This investment by the U.S. Department of Transportation toward an additional, environmentally sustainable vessel means we can provide more reliable and efficient mobility to our community. We thank our congressional delegation and all stakeholders for their continuous support of the St. Johns River Ferry and the JTA."

"We pride ourselves on the service the St. Johns River Ferry provides, as well as the experience it offers passengers," said JTA Board Chair Debbie Buckland." Adding a second ferry to the fleet will be valuable to area residents and visitors."

Earlier this year, Congressman Bean and Congressman Rutherford advocated for this federal funding with both the FTA and the United States Department of Transportation.

The St. Johns Ferry serves as a connector for State Road A1A, which runs from just south of the Georgia border to Key West.Currently only one vessel provides ferry service: Jean Ribault, which is quickly reaching its end-of-life stage.When it requires major service,the JTA must suspend ferry operations.

This grant award will allow JTAto acquire a second vessel guaranteeing uninterrupted service as well as increasing frequency.

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