A.G. Gancarski
On Monday afternoon, a meeting of the St. Johns River Ferry Committee proved to be surprisingly contentious.
Councilman John Crescimbeni was, at various points, extremely critical of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
Regarding JTA, Crescimbeni said at one point, “I feel like we’re completely out of the loop. We keep trying to look at JTA as a responsible partner,” he said, yet the lack of communication between the Ferry Commission and JTA was an issue, and an example of “JTA doing what JTA does best: screw things up.”
Tuesday, JTA offered a response.
“The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) believes the Ferry is an integral part of the community, has a bright future and fits with our transportation portfolio. We have worked in a voluntary partnership with the City and the St. Johns River Ferry Commission. Because of that, we were surprised and disappointed with the tone of yesterday’s meeting,” wrote JTA’s Public Relations Manager Leigh Ann Rassler.
“JTA continues to demonstrate our support and willingness to assume responsibility for the St. Johns River Ferry by contributing funding for the past two years and taking over the procurement process for the slipwall replacement at a crucial moment. Because of our expertise in delivering FTA funded transportation projects, JTA utilized a City developed scope of services and ensured timely selection and execution of a design-build contract. This made certain $4.9 million in grant funding was not lost,” Rassler continued.
“JTA budgeted $400,000 towards the Ferry operations prior to the extension of the Local Option Gas Tax. In addition, we have contributed countless hours of pro bono work by our staff (legal, planning and engineering, procurement, government relations, and public relations). JTA has entered into an interlocal agreement with the City of Jacksonville to either assume Ferry operations or contribute $400,000 annually to support Ferry operations for 20 years. JTA’s commitment to the agreement has not changed.
“Following the veto of state funding to support the haul-out and repowering of the Ferry vessel, JTA and the Mayor’s office immediately collaborated on a solution to fill the funding gap. JTA’s Board of Directors will consider a proposal to fund $900,000 at its August meeting, matching the City’s funds.
“As it relates to the possible six month extension of the transfer, we have a fiduciary responsibility to JTA stakeholders. The Ferry is a multi-million dollar asset. We must be deliberate in the due diligence and do it right.”
