Jacksonville, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District announced today the release of the draft report regarding the Jacksonville Harbor Deepening Study, which kicks off an official 45-day comment period in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The District is conducting a study to increase the depth of the existing federal channel along the St. Johns River from its current project depth of 40-feet to a maximum depth of 47-feet. The extent of this deepening would occur from the mouth of the St. Johns River to approximately River Mile 13. The National Economic Development (NED) plan has been identified to be 45-feet. This is the depth that reasonably maximizes net economic benefits consistent with protecting the Nations environment. The non-federal sponsor, JAXPORT, officially requested a locally preferred plan (LPP) of 47-feet, and approval was granted by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
The study has evaluated navigational concerns and provides recommendations for investigating navigation improvements. The study also includes detailed information regarding all environmental considerations such as salinity effects, mitigation, shoreline erosion, sea level rise, confined blasting, etc.
Hard copies of the report are located at the following Jacksonville Public Libraries: Main at 303 North Laura St., Highlands Branch at 1826 Dunn Ave., Regency Square Branch at 9900 Regency Square Blvd., and Mandarin Branch at 3330 Kori Rd. An electronic copy of the draft report and appendices are located at www.saj.usace.army.mil. Official comments may be submitted to Mr. Paul Stodola at 904-232-3271 or Paul.E.Stodola@usace.army.mil.
Release no. 13-031