Jacksonville Council Seeks to Redirect $247 Million Skyway Funds

Members of the Jacksonville City Council are seeking to renegotiate a 2021 agreement that allocates $247 million in local gas tax revenue for the conversion of the downtown Skyway's elevated structure into autonomous NAVI transit shuttles. Council members, including Rory Diamond and Will Lahnen, argue that these funds should be redirected to stabilize the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), which is currently facing a financial crisis due to depleted cash reserves and falling sales tax revenue.

Mayor Donna Deegan has expressed openness to reviewing the agreement, though she maintains that funding for the Emerald Trail network must be protected. The effort to reprioritize spending follows the departure of JTA CEO Nat Ford, who was the primary advocate for the autonomous transit vision.

As City Council President Nick Howland explores the legal process for altering the authorized gas tax project list, the JTA is conducting a study on the future of the Skyway. Potential alternatives being considered include demolishing the elevated structure entirely or converting it into an elevated trail.