Construction Delays Hit Underserved Neighborhoods While Downtown Segments Move Forward. The vision of a fully connected 30-mile Emerald Trail weaving through Jacksonville faces severe delays after the sudden loss of a $147 million federal grant in July 2025. Now, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is suspending design and construction of several key segments in predominantly Black and underserved neighborhoods, raising concerns about equity, funding priorities, and the long-term viability of the project.
Trail Plans Put on Pause in Jacksonville’s Historic Neighborhoods
Federal Grant Rescinded by “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”
In what’s being called a major infrastructure blow, the federal government’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act rescinded crucial trail funding, forcing city officials to pause on trail segments planned for Robinson’s Addition, Durkeeville, and the Eastside.
Some of Jacksonville’s oldest and most economically vulnerable neighborhoods depended on the trail to provide safer routes to schools, colleges, and public amenities. With plans shelved, these communities risk being left behind in a project framed initially around inclusive connectivity.
Trail Sections Affected
- Segment 6: Robinson’s Addition / New Town
- Segment 7: Durkeeville
- Segment 8: Eastside
These sections are now on indefinite hold pending future funding.
City Officials Prioritize Downtown Core First
In response to the funding gap, Jacksonville’s leaders are shifting focus to trail segments near the urban core, notably Segments 1–5 and 9. These areas are critical for downtown connectivity and economic development, which some city council members argue should take precedence.
Council Vice President Nick Howland suggested halting design for outer segments until funding is guaranteed:
“Let’s not waste money on designing those spurs… until we know we’re going to have funding… otherwise we might be pouring money into a path to nowhere,” Howland said.
While this shift may be pragmatic from a budgeting standpoint, it also exposes deeper concerns about disinvestment in marginalized neighborhoods.
Equity Concerns Grow Over Trail Delays in Low-Income ZIP Codes
Trail Meant to Serve Black Communities, Schools, and Colleges
The Emerald Trail was initially designed to provide pedestrian and cycling infrastructure across Jacksonville’s diverse communities, including direct access to Edward Waters University and K-12 schools. Now, many of those plans are on hold.
Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, expressed concern:
“My fear has always been that once we move outside the downtown area, will folks stay committed to places like Durkeeville and Eastside?”
Groundwork Jacksonville continues to advocate for underserved communities while remaining committed to delivering the trail over time.
| Segment | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Segment 1 | LaVilla Link | Completed (2024) |
| Segment 2 | Hogan Street Link | Construction starts Sept 2025 |
| Segment 3 | Riverside & North Riverside | Planned – gas tax funding |
| Segment 4 | Phoenix Neighborhood | Design RFQ expected in 2026 |
| Segment 5 | Springfield | Moving closer to construction |
| Segment 9 | North Downtown to Shipyards | Construction planning underway |
Funding Breakdown: What’s in Play?
Loss of Federal Funds
- $147 million rescinded in July 2025
- Intended initially to accelerate full trail build-out
Local Option Gas Tax (LOGT)
- $132 million allocated over 30 years
- $38.8 million already dedicated to Segments 3 and 4
- Potential funding for Segments 6–8 remains uncertain
JTA’s Role
- $4.7 million earmarked for design in FY 2026-2027 (Segments 3 & 4)
- Design and construction for Segments 6–8 paused until further notice
- Environmental study for Segments 4, 6–8 to be completed by November 2025
Project Strategy: One Segment at a Time
According to Ehas, Groundwork Jacksonville never intended to design the entire trail simultaneously. Instead, the team planned a “design-then-fund” approach, completing one segment at a time and seeking support from local, state, and federal sources:
“If you design something, it’s much more likely to get constructed,” Ehas noted.
“That’s how Groundwork Jacksonville operates — entrepreneurial, tenacious, and committed.”
This iterative strategy remains in place, with advocacy continuing for new funding, including appeals to congressional representatives John Rutherford and Aaron Bean, who voted for the legislation that cut the original grant.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Jacksonville
The Emerald Trail is not just a walking and biking path—it’s a long-term investment in:
- Urban mobility and connectivity
- Equity and access for underserved communities
- Green infrastructure and flood mitigation
- Economic development through revitalization
Delays in trail segments serving low-income, Black-majority communities reflect ongoing challenges in distributing infrastructure equitably—despite the trail’s original promise.
The long-term success of the Emerald Trail will depend not only on new funding but on the city’s commitment to inclusive development that doesn’t leave entire neighborhoods behind.
My Final Thoughts
The Emerald Trail is one of Jacksonville’s most visionary infrastructure projects, bridging economic, environmental, and equity goals. While progress in downtown areas is encouraging, suspending design and construction in historically marginalized neighborhoods is troubling.
Infrastructure isn't just about concrete and steel; it's about connecting people, especially those who have historically been left out. While prioritizing the downtown core may make short-term sense, city leaders must not lose sight of the trail's broader purpose. Jacksonville has the opportunity and responsibility to ensure the Emerald Trail truly lives up to its transformative promise.
The resilience of Groundwork Jacksonville and the possibility of future federal or local funding leave the door open. But execution matters. Without inclusive follow-through, the Emerald Trail risks becoming a symbol of what could have been instead of what Jacksonville could become.
