Press Release|Public Finance
KBRA Affirms AA Rating, Stable Outlook, to Jacksonville Transportation Authority Senior Lien Local Option Gas Tax Revenue Bonds
12 Sep 2025 | New York
KBRA has affirmed the long-term rating of AA, with a Stable Outlook, to Jacksonville Transportation Authority Senior Lien Local Option Gas Tax Revenue Bonds.
Key Credit Considerations
The rating was affirmed because of the following key credit considerations:
Credit Positives
- The gas tax, while narrow, is assessed on a highly essential product and assessed on a large base. Jacksonville is among the largest US cities and it continues to experience growth.
- JTA’s share of Pledged Revenues has comfortably covered debt service, even throughout the pandemic. It is expected that this revenue stream will remain supportive of coverage based on a decline in debt service associated with the refunding.
- The Bonds have a short average life, with a final maturity on August 31, 2036. No additional parity debt is planned to fund the completion of JTA projects, although additional debt is authorized in accordance with the Trust Agreement.
Credit Challenges
- Pledged Revenues are vulnerable to shifts in consumption related to fuel price fluctuations, changing driving patterns, and increasingly fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Structural weaknesses in security provisions include the lack of a debt service reserve fund, and the termination of the Interlocal Agreement within 30 days of the final maturity of the Series 2024 and Series 2025 Bonds (although the LOGT itself has been extended to August 1, 2046). This structural shortcoming limits flexibility in the event of a shortfall or delay in deposit of Pledged Revenues.
Rating Sensitivities
For Upgrade
- Growth in Pledged Revenues that generates increased debt service coverage.
For Downgrade
- Debt service coverage declines to a level no longer consistent with the rating level, due to changes in consumption patterns.
To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.