A big jump in cost of raising power lines across the St. Johns River will drive up the cost for the city, JEA and JaxPort on $117 million project.

The increase brings Cavey’s compensation more in line with the salary that her predecessor, Jay Stowe, was earning when he resigned from the utility. Stowe was making $669,500 when he stepped down in April 2024 amid what board chair Joe DiSalvo described as a philosophical disagreement between Stowe and board members about how to lead the utility.

JEA is working with the city of Jacksonville and JAXPORT to raise six power lines to "make sure larger ships can safely access JAXPORT."

At a JEA board meeting on Tuesday, leaders approved an agreement in which JEA will contribute $32.5 million to help get the power lines raised. JEA is working with the City of Jacksonville and JAXPORT to complete this project. It is aimed at making room for bigger and taller ships that require a higher clearance.

City Council is set to review the new agreement at a future meeting, and Jaxport’s Board of Directors must also approve it, according to JEA.