What They’re Saying: Jacksonville Air Draft Project Supports Jobs and Economic Growth

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Helicopter operations began supporting the next step in JEA’s work to raise the electric transmission lines spanning the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut.
Jul 28, 2026 | Cargo Blog
3 MIN READ

Helicopter operations began in late July to support the next phase of work to raise the electric transmission lines spanning the St. Johns River near JAXPORT’s Blount Island terminal.

The project, led by JEA in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, the City of Jacksonville and JAXPORT, will increase operational clearance for vessels to 205 feet, supporting the continued growth of international container trade in Jacksonville and the 15,000 regional jobs it sustains.

 

Here’s what local leaders are saying about the milestone.

“As this vital project reaches a new milestone, the City of Jacksonville's investment will create jobs, attract new businesses, and continue growing our port that is already a global leader in trade. We are grateful for the partnership with JAXPORT, JEA and the State of Florida."

Mayor Donna Deegan
City of Jacksonville Tweet
Donna Deegan
Helicopter operations began supporting the next step in JEA’s work to raise the electric transmission lines spanning the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut.

Over the next several months, JEA will use helicopters to prepare to install conductors across the St. Johns River. 

JEA Powerlines Project
Helicopter operations began supporting the next step in JEA’s work to raise the electric transmission lines spanning the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut.

Initially, ropes and pulleys are being utilized to pull the conductors/wires across the new towers.

Helicopter operations began supporting the next step in JEA’s work to raise the electric transmission lines spanning the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut.

The additional clearance is needed for larger ships to safely transit the river’s 47-foot-deep channel to and from JAXPORT’s Blount Island Marine Terminal.

Helicopter operations began supporting the next step in JEA’s work to raise the electric transmission lines spanning the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut.

What They Are Saying

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan: “As this vital project reaches a new milestone, the City of Jacksonville’s investment will create jobs, attract new businesses, and continue growing our port that is already a global leader in trade. We are grateful for the partnership with JAXPORT, JEA and the State of Florida.”

Helicopter operations began supporting the next step in JEA’s work to raise the electric transmission lines spanning the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut.

Jacksonville City Council President Nick Howland: “Every investment in our fast-growing port is an investment in jobs for Jacksonville. By raising the power lines to accommodate larger ships, JAXPORT and JEA are accelerating international trade, growing our City’s economy, and creating more opportunities for Jacksonville businesses and families.”

JEA Managing Director and CEO Vickie Cavey: “We have reached a significant milestone in this project thanks to our strong partnership with JAXPORT and the City of Jacksonville. The Fulton Cut Power Line Project strengthens JEA’s commitment to customers with improved reliability while we support future economic development for Northeast Florida.”

Helicopter operations began supporting the next step in JEA’s work to raise the electric transmission lines spanning the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut.

JAXPORT CEO Eric Green: “Today marks significant progress toward completing a project that will benefit Jacksonville and Florida for generations. By increasing the air draft at Florida’s largest container port, we’re enhancing our ability to serve larger vessels, strengthen supply chains and support thousands of jobs connected to international container trade. We’re grateful to the Florida Department of Transportation, the City of Jacksonville and JEA for partnering with JAXPORT to make this transformative investment possible.”

Helicopter operations began supporting the next step in JEA’s work to raise the electric transmission lines spanning the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut.
Helicopter operations began supporting the next step in JEA’s work to raise the electric transmission lines spanning the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut.