Jaxport gets permits for new terminal

Jaxport gets permits for new terminal A three-member panel from the cabinet of Gov. Jeb Bush Thursday approved a request for a submerged land lease adjacent to the Mitsui O.S.K. Line terminal under development at the Port of Jacksonville, clearing the way for construction later this summer.
   Jaxport spokesman Robert Peek said that although the port owns the site, any submerged land belongs to the State of Florida. The state had to approve the land lease, as well as authorization for dredging work adjacent to the berth and construction of a 700-foot offshore barrier to prevent erosion.
   The port plans to dredge the berthing area to 42 feet to accommodate the containerships MOL plans to use at the new terminal.
   Peek said ground preparation at the site of the MOL terminal is basically complete. The port is in the process of receiving bids for a contractor to build the terminal. A contact is expected to be awarded before the end of June.
   Actual 'vertical' construction is expected to begin in September, and the terminal is scheduled to open during the first quarter of 2008, Peek said.
   Jaxport and MOL have a 30-year lease for the 158-acre terminal at Dames Point.