JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An "iconic mode of transportation" on the First Coast is getting a new addition.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority announced Monday that it secured a $15.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund the purchase of a second diesel hybrid-electric ferry. Officials said the new boat will ensure travelers have a ride, even when one ferry has scheduled maintenance.
“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," said JTA Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel P. Ford.
The current ferry connects the north and south ends of Florida State Road A1A, linking Mayport Village and Fort George Island, making the trip only five minutes.
"The new hybrid-fuel ferry vessel will increase connectivity, sustainability, and economic competitiveness for the historic communities of Mayport Village and Fort George," said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan.
Deegan in part credited Jacksonville's relationship with the Biden-Harris Administration for securing the funding.
“This is another exciting grant win that is a result of our fantastic collaboration with the JTA, relationships we’ve built with the Biden-Harris Administration, and the dedicated work of the grant writing teams,” she said.
U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, who both represent Northeast Florida districts, supported the grant.
“Repairs and maintenance to the one vessel currently running back and forth across the St. Johns River, however, means unnecessary delays and closures for Northeast Floridians who rely on this service daily," said Rutherford, whose district includes Mayport.
Last year, the ferry was shuttered for months for routine maintenance required by the U.S. Coast Guard. Services were suspended Jan. 25, 2023 and reopened May 3, 2023.
In February, services were suspended for several weeks for scheduled maintenance. JTA said at the time the "preventative maintenance" was to enhance customer safety and extend the vessel’s service life.
JTA said even with interruptions, the ferry carried more than 391,000 people in the fiscal year 2024 which ends Sept. 30.
Officials said a second ferry will improve reliability for commuters who take it daily.
“The St. Johns River Ferry is an iconic mode of transportation for Northeast Florida,” said Ford.
JTA took over the ferry's operations in 2016.