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JACKSONVILLE, FL -- JAXPORT has put its plans for a new cruise terminal at Mayport on hold.
JAXPORT has decided to remove any reference to the new terminal from the Port Master Plan. Separating the two allows JAXPORT to move ahead with its overall business operations without any delay, according to JAXPORT spokesperson Nancy Rubin.
The lone cruise ship in Mayport, Carnival's Facination, must relocated in two to three years, Rubin told First Coast News' Erich Spivey.
"Our goal is to pursue this successful business, to keep it in Jacksonville," Rubin says.
The new cruise ship terminal had high hopes to boost the local economy. A January study estimated the economic impact at $400 million over six years, creating 5,000 jobs.
The resolution states "the timing of the construction and operation of the proposed Mayport Cruise Terminal must be evaluated in the context of the current global recession," which, according to JAXPORT, is "showing no signs of improvement."
"Reasons are having to do with the global recession," said Rubin. "Board members are leery of holding up our Port Master Plan in favor of something that might not be wise."
Rubin says the plan is currently being held up by three pending bills before City Council.
CRUISE TERMINAL FOR MAYPORT AWAITS ACTION
The Public Trust Environmental Legal Institute, a non-profit organization representing Mayport Village residents in a lawsuit against the Jacksonville Port Authority and the City of Jacksonville, declared victory.
"I think they finally heard the people of Mayport and how they feel about it," said Warren Anderson.
Rubin said JAXPORT could revisit the cruise ship terminal issue at any time, but for now, the board wants time to assess the economy and gather public input.
The institute held a news conference at 3:30. Click the video to the right to hear it in its entirety.
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 Created: 3/2/2009 1:54:04 PM Updated: 3/3/2009 12:30:08 AM Suggest News Tips & Story Leads Submit Video & Pictures |
Erich Spivey
