JACKSONVILE, Fla. — The price tag to raise JEA’s powerlines near the Jacksonville Port Authority may have increased again.
The power lines near the Blount Island Terminal at JAXPORT are 175 feet tall, but in an effort to bring in larger ships, the lines need to be raised to a minimum of 225 feet.
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Action News Jax reported in Aug. 2024 that a feasibility study to determine if the project could be done put the cost estimate at around $45 million. However, a 2024 analysis detailing alternative construction approaches doubled the price tag to at least $105 million.
RELATED: Costs rise to raise power lines over the St. Johns River near JAXPORT
Now, the powerlines may cost up to $117 million.
According to JEA, a Quanta analysis recently set that amount as the Guaranteed Maximum Price.
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“The GMP includes contractor, materials, plus JEA cost and risk. Cost of materials totals about $20 million, which includes new towers, conductor, FAA lightning and hardware. Remaining cost is related to owner’s contingency, additional insurance, YTD expenses and project support costs,” JEA spokesperson Karen McAllister told Action News Jax in a statement.
RELATED: JAXPORT secures funding for its power line raising project
This price is not finalized and won’t be until a contract is signed.
McAllister said that JEA and JAXPORT have not yet determined their individual contributions, although $45 million has already been pledged from other sources. According to JAXPORT, the project will receive $22.5M from the state, a $10M grant and a $12.5M loan from the City of Jacksonville.
Any contributions from JEA will not impact customer rates.
A JAXPORT representative laid out the next steps for the project in a statement Wednesday night:
“The next step for JAXPORT is for our Board to review and vote on a proposed funding plan. This process could begin as soon as our February 24 Board meeting. We are grateful for the support of our partners at the city, state and JEA for their commitment to the project, helping us create and protect the 15,000 jobs supported by the continued growth of international trade in Jacksonville.”
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