A proposed gas tax increase set to improve Jacksonville’s roads, add over 1,000 jobs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville mayor Lenny Curry is proposing a series of projects to improve the city’s infrastructure, but the initiative would double the already-existing local option gas tax from six to 12 cents.

The mayor says the proposed initiative, Jobs for Jax, would create over 1,000 construction jobs and improve city roads, add elevated bike lanes, and phase out septic tanks.

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“For too many years our city did not properly invest in the key infrastructure our communities deserve due to inadequate funding,” Curry said.

“By fully leveraging the gas tax like other major Florida cities do, we can make significant progress on improvements to transportation and infrastructure needs throughout our community,” Curry said.

The mayor noted that neighboring counties like Nassau and Clay already use the same tax.

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The proposal will go before the city council in the coming weeks, and a decision is expected to be made some time before July, city leaders told Action News Jax.

If approved, there will be over 1,000 jobs up for grabs, and the city will post a job board here.

Cox Media Group