Johnson Slough project: town staff sets timeline; residents warn of cost and environmental impact
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Summary
Public Works said it will finalize a guaranteed maximum price and present a contract amendment for the Johnson Slough roadway and culvert project in February with construction expected in March 2026 pending agency reviews; residents urged cancellation or modification over cost, environmental and process concerns.
Town staff and the public works director told the council that the Johnson Slough roadway and culvert improvement project is moving toward construction after permit applications were submitted to the St. Johns River Water Management District and, subsequently, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Staff said the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) would be finalized and presented to council for an amendment to the design-build contract in February, with construction expected around March 2026 after the anticipated review period.
Multiple residents used the public comment period to press the council for alternatives. George Bush and other speakers said the project is too expensive, will negatively affect taxpayers for decades, and that previous public workshops showed near-unanimous opposition. Speakers urged options including cancelling the project, modifying the scope (lowering elevations, dropping expensive features), limiting costs to Orange Park residents, or pursuing smaller fixes rather than the full scope. One resident questioned why water and sewer work appeared to be underway near Bradley Park when no council-approved funding for restrooms exists.
Council and staff responses
Staff and council members acknowledged financing concerns and noted reliance on a mix of grants, potential loans/bonds and municipal funding. Public Works Director Kyle Croce explained permitting and schedule details and said staff would present the GMP to council for a contract amendment in February. Councilmembers asked for clarity on cost reductions discussed in earlier workshops and emphasized the need to balance flood mitigation, environmental concerns and fiscal impact.
Next steps
Staff will finalize the GMP with the design-build team and return to council for approval of the contract amendment. Permit reviews by the Water Management District and DEP will determine the final schedule; councilmembers signaled they expect more detailed cost options and community input before any irreversible commitment.
Ending: Council did not approve additional construction funding at this meeting; the GMP and contract amendment are expected to return to the council in February.
