USS Adams money included in state budget

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The final ship left in the USS Adams class of ships is getting closer to calling Jacksonville home.

Joe Snowberger and a group of local citizens have been working for seven years to raise money for the $6 million project.

They recently learned that $1 million has been set aside for the project in the state budget.

"That $1 million will be spent on the actual mooring system, berth, the parking lot, and the actual place where the USS Adams will call itself home this year," Snowberger said.

The location is along the St. Johns River near the shipyards downtown.

"We'll have downtown's first attraction in many years," Snowberger said.

According to Snowberger, the attraction will bring at least 25 full-time jobs and even more indirect jobs as a result of numerous events that will be planned for the ship.

So far, backers have relied on local citizen donations. They have begun negotiations with private companies.

"The real sweet spot is going to be our negotiations with corporations that come in and want naming rights and do sponsorships and showcase their museum," Snowberger said.

Snowberger said the goal is to have the USS Adams docked in Jacksonville in time for Veterans Day.

The USS Adams Museum is teaming up for a fundraiser Tuesday, April 12 with the Southeast U.S. Boat Show to help raise money to bring the ship to Jacksonville. Toy boats will be sold for $10; the boats will be dropped into the water, and the first 50 boats to cross the finish line will get free admission to the boat show.

Cox Media Group