The Army Corps of Engineers says the lines need to be 20 feet higher for larger ships to pass through. The lines are currently 175 feet above the water line.
The 47-foot-deep channel is expected to help alleviate supply chain disruptions, although environmentalists worry it will worsen flooding along the St. Johns River and increase erosion.
A new report shows that raising JEA lines so jumbo-sized ships can reach the Blount island Terminal would cost about $42 million, higher than a previous estimate of $30 million.
Southeast Toyota Distributors moved about 157,000 vehicles through JAXPORT last year, making it one of the busiest auto shipping ports on the East Coast.
American Queen Voyages is starting new 12-day cruises sailing out of Jacksonville. The company has plans for 11 more cruises out of Jacksonville this year.