(Washington, DC)  - Congressman Ander Crenshaw, a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, secured nearly $2.5 million for local transportation priorities, including the Mayport Ferry.  This funding was included by Congressman Crenshaw in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which was later incorporated into the FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.  This spending legislation passed the House on December 19, 2007 by a vote of 272-142.

 

“Investments in Jacksonville’s infrastructure today will pave the way for our community’s economic growth tomorrow.  Whether it is roads, buses or rail, our community depends on a modern and vital transportation network,” said Congressman Crenshaw.  “This legislation provides critical funding for Jacksonville’s key transportation priorities.

 

“For many years, I have worked with local officials to obtain federal funds for the Mayport Ferry.  This year’s legislation provides nearly half a million dollars to assist with vessel replacement and rehabilitation.  The Mayport Ferry plays a vital role in our city’s history and makes the St. John’s River easier to traverse for countless Jacksonville residents.”

 

“Together with my colleagues, we successfully removed $22 billion in unneeded and unwanted spending that House Democrats had originally intended to include in the FY2008 Omnibus bill.  As a result, FY2008 discretionary spending is limited to only 2 percent above the President’s request and we ensured that tax dollars are allocated correctly and responsibly,” stated Crenshaw.

 

This funding will be used for vessel replacement/rehabilitation.  The ferry offers a quick connection to the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve on the north side of the St. Johns River, is a vital link to tourism-dependent business in Mayport Village, and is used by countless commuters every day.   

 

Funding will be used for the construction of a new roadway bridge over a significant waterway on Heckscher Drive.  This road provides significant access to major port facilities, industrial development, and is used as a hurricane evacuation route.    This project will improve the capacity and safety for this major arterial.

 

Funding will be used for the purchase of at least 4-5 fixed route buses and up to 120 bus route shelters focused on stops with large number and/ or elderly customers.