JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – JEA is moving forward with four major infrastructure projects expected to cost nearly $690 million, despite the recent resignation of CEO Vickie Cavey.
Cavey announced she would resign as JEA’s CEO and managing director effective Sept. 25. JEA has said its strategy and day-to-day operations will remain unchanged during the leadership transition.
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The JEA board is considering three water reclamation projects, which would treat and reuse wastewater from homes and businesses for purposes such as irrigation and other non-drinking uses.
The projects include:
- Blacks Ford expansion: A project in northwest St. Johns County expected to cost more than $220 million.
- Northwest Jacksonville facility: A project near Jacksonville International Airport estimated at about $193 million.
- East Arlington facility: A project expected to cost just under $165 million that also would include high-level disinfection.
The fourth project is JEA’s Fulton Cut Transmission Line Clearance, which is expected to cost $117 million. But JEA is sharing the cost burden with JAXPORT and the City of Jacksonville. The Utility’s only cost output will be $32.5 Million.
The project involves replacing and raising high-voltage transmission lines crossing the St. Johns River near Blount Island and JAXPORT. The additional clearance will allow larger ships to pass underneath the lines as they travel to and from the port.
JEA has said the transmission-line project is expected to be completed in summer 2027. All four projects are expected to be completed by 2030.
Myers Vasquez with JEA said the leadership changes have not affected the utility’s ability to complete its planned projects.
“Absolutely not,” Vasquez said when asked whether the changes were overwhelming. “I just think that what you saw from this meeting, I think the public should be confident JEA is business as usual.”
Vasquez said the projects remain on schedule and under budget.
“It’s a testament to the team and the leadership here,” Vasquez said.
The projects are spread across areas experiencing significant growth, including northern St. Johns County, northwest Jacksonville and East Arlington. The Fulton Cut project also is intended to support future growth at JAXPORT by accommodating larger ships.
