Mayport Struggle

Last week in Jacksonville and locally the media reported on the latest carrier potential move to Mayport.

Local media reported (Norfolk Virginia-Pilot) ‘Efforts to Block Carrier Move---‘ The House Armed Services Committee removes dredging funds for the proposed dredging at Naval Station Mayport. The effort was lead by Congressman Nye and supported by Congressmen Forbes and Wittman.

Jacksonville media reported, ‘Mayport wins latest carrier battle in Congress’. Florida Congressman Crenshaw reported the House Appropriations Committee approved money for dredging and wharf upgrades at Naval Station Mayport.

Money has been appropriated by the House but cannot be used unless authorized by Armed Services Committee. The struggle now goes to the Senate where Florida has two Senators on the Senate Armed Services Committee. (Virginia has one, Senator Webb)

Jacksonville media reported the ‘Senate Armed Services Committee authorized the dredging near Mayport Naval Station needed to allow a nuclear-powered aircraft to use the site, setting up a legislative battle down the road’.

There are now two versions of the Authorization bill concerning dredging at Mayport, they will go to conference committee later this year. This is a very important part of the battle to move a CVN to Mayport from Norfolk.

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