Duval Times

Mayor Donna Deegan expressed her gratitude for the collaboration that led to the record-setting grant, stating, “This record-setting grant is the result of fantastic collaboration with our partners JTA and Groundwork Jacksonville, the relationships we’ve built with the Biden Administration, and the experienced team we hired to bring more federal tax dollars home." She also thanked President Biden and federal representatives for securing the critical funding, adding, "We're all excited that more shovels will be in the ground soon."

JTA CEO Nathaniel Ford highlighted the significance of the $147 million grant, stating, “This funding will accelerate the completion of these five segments of the Emerald Trail ahead of schedule, allowing our citizens to enjoy enhanced mobility and green spaces much sooner than anticipated.”

Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, expressed excitement over securing the funding for the Emerald Trail, emphasizing the importance of the public-private partnership in Jacksonville. Ehas stated, “This is a win for all of us, especially the residents of our urban neighborhoods who have been underserved for far too long."

JTA Chair Debbie Buckland commended the visionaries behind the Emerald Trail project, saying, “This grant is a testament to the vision of Nat Ford, Mayor Deegan, and Kay Ehas, with the full support of our local community and our partners in Washington DC."

The $147 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will fund the construction of the five remaining trail segments of the Emerald Trail project in Jacksonville. The trail will connect 14 historic urban neighborhoods to downtown, the St. Johns River, and various other destinations, providing enhanced mobility and green spaces for the community.

The Emerald Trail is a 30-mile project that aims to link schools, hospitals, parks, and other key locations within the city. Once complete, the City of Jacksonville will maintain and operate the trail with the support of Groundwork Jacksonville Emerald Trail Stewards.

Groundwork Jacksonville, formed in 2014, is a key partner in the project, focusing on environmental equity, resilience, and stewardship in low-resource communities. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is also instrumental in the initiative, providing mass public transit services and infrastructure to enhance mobility in the region.

The grant announcement marks a significant milestone for the Emerald Trail project, underscoring the commitment of various stakeholders to improving the quality of life for residents in Jacksonville.