(Pictured: Nathaniel P. Ford, CEO of the JTA)

At the February 27, 2019 COMTO Jacksonville Body Meeting, over 60 attendees were educated on the JTA’s initiatives and projects that are underway.

Nathaniel P. Ford, CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority was one of the keynote speakers at the meeting. He shared information about multiple JTA projects such as: lane widening on Girvin Rd., Kernan Rd., San Pablo Rd., Collins Rd. Ford also provided an update regarding the new Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center (JRTC) which will feature JTA’s administration headquarters and connect local, regional and intercity modes of transportation. The JRTC Building is expected to be completed in 2020. Ford expressed his joy to collaborate with several DBE businesses to complete some of JTA’s projects.

(Pictured: Ken Middleton, Dir. of Diversity & Equity Program)

Ken Middleton, JTA’s Director of the Diversity & Equity Program spoke on the success of DBE business owners and providing coaching sessions to jump-start careers. “You must be in business to make money!”, says Middleton. The Diversity & Equity staff have hosted multiple seminars for DBE owners and provided the proper tools needed to establish successful business ventures. In 2018, Middleton says the FTA (Federal Transit Administration) awarded the JTA with the “Workforce Development Grant”.

Guests were given opportunities to ask Mr. Ford and Mr. Middleton questions pertaining to the JTA’s upcoming initiatives, internship programs and about the expansion of transportation in general.

Thank you to Mr. Ford, Mr. Middleton and guests for attending this informative meeting.