JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 The Jacksonville Transportation Authority held another round of public meetings Thursday to discuss the Skyway Conversion project.<\/p>\n
We reported last month how JTA\u2019s projected cost overruns this year reached over $32.8 million.<\/p>\n
Approximately $247 million in dedicated Local Option Gas Tax funding is currently allocated to the program. However some of the proposed options for the Skyway cost more than that. <\/p>\n
JTA is currently considering six build options and a non-build option for the proposed Skyway Conversion project.<\/p>\n
During the meeting, JTA introduced its newest build option based on public feedback – the Modern Street car.<\/p>\n
Of the other five options, JTA says the most popular choice among those surveyed is turning the Skyway into a multipurpose trail and having street level autonomous vehicles.<\/p>\n
However, JTA projects that option to cost over $260 million to build. <\/p>\n
The least expensive option is removing the Skyway and putting those vehicles on the streets.<\/p>\n
But that\u2019s also the least popular option right now.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you consider the initial capital costs, operating costs, refurbishment and replacement costs of the vehicles, as we\u2019ve gone through the analysis, that\u2019s what the analysis has returned is that that one over the span of 30 years would be the cheapest,\u201d said Bill Frazer, Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer for JTA. <\/p>\n
We asked JTA if they can afford any of the proposed Skyway options with its financial problems, and if they plan on reallocating the $247 million dollars for the Skyway Project to something else.<\/p>\n
You can read the full statement from JTA here:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe JTA is evaluating the financial feasibility of each Skyway alternative as part of the ongoing PD&E Study. No alternative has been selected or approved for implementation.<\/p>\n
\u201cApproximately $247 million in dedicated Local Option Gas Tax (LOGT) funding is currently allocated to the program. Completion of the PD&E process also positions the JTA to pursue potential federal funding. <\/p>\n
Cost, available funding, public input and long-term financial sustainability will all be key factors in determining the path forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
JTA is still seeking the public\u2019s input on the future of the Skyway. They plan to present a summary of the public\u2019s feedback and their recommendations during the October 29 board meeting. <\/p>\n
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