Florida News Straight From the Source
The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) today was awarded $32.389 million in federal funding to continue its deep draft navigation project. This comes in addition to the $17.5 million that JAXPORT received for the project last year, representing a substantial federal investment in growing commerce and trade in Northeast Florida. [Read more…] about Rutherford announces $32 million federal investment in JAXPORT
Governor Rick Scott today released the below statement following the release of the Army Corps of Engineers spending plan, which includes $29,300,000 in investments in Port Tampa Bay, JAXPORT and Port Everglades. The funds made available were included in the Fiscal Year 2017 Omnibus Appropriations Bill signed into law earlier this month by President Trump.
Governor Scott said, “It is great news that the Trump Administration is making major investments in Florida ports, including Port Tampa Bay, JAXPORT and Port Everglades. Since 2011, we have invested over $1 billion in state funding in our 15 world-class seaports and we appreciate the Trump Administration understanding the important role our ports have in supporting our economy and creating jobs. We will continue to work closely with our state and federal partners to make Florida a global hub for trade.”
The $29,300,000 federal investments includes $9,000,000 for Port Tampa Bay, $17,500,000 for JAXPORT and $2,800,000 for Port Everglades.
The Army Corps of Engineers today awarded $17.5 million for the Jacksonville Port deepening project in its FY 2017 Work Plan. This funding will begin construction of the deep draft navigation improvements at JAXPORT. Congressman Rutherford has urged the Army Corps for funding to deepen the Jacksonville harbor, which would bring larger ships, economic growth, and jobs to Northeast Florida.
Congressman Rutherford said, “This funding is a great start to the needed dredging at JAXPORT which will allow economic growth and trade to prosper in Northeast Florida. As one of 17 U.S. commercial Ports critical to the nation’s security, the Jacksonville Harbor plays a significant role in the deployment of cargo overseas. It is important that the Port be brought to its fully authorized level, and I look forward to working with the administration so our port can remain the epicenter for national security and job creation.”
See the letter to OMB Director Mick Mulvaney and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Douglas Lamont requesting new start funding for JAXPORT.
Governor Rick Scott visited Port Canaveral and JAXPORT to highlight transportation investments in his 2017-2018 “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget, which invests $10 billion for the Florida Department of Transportation’s Work Program, including $178 million for seaport infrastructure improvements. According to a recent report from the Florida Ports Council, Florida’s 15 seaports are responsible for $117.6 billion in economic activity, supporting nearly 900,000 jobs, $40 billion in personal income and $4.3 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Tom Weinberg, Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority, said, “Port Canaveral is a major economic engine for the state, and we have great plans to continue growing and supporting our local community. It is clear Governor Scott knows that by strategically investing in our seaports, we are investing in new opportunities for our state’s businesses, families and visitors. I applaud the Governor’s commitment to investing in our ports and look forward to working with the Legislature to support this funding.”
Captain John W. Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral, said, “As the gateway to Central Florida and the second busiest cruise port in the entire world, Port Canaveral is proud of the incredible impact we have on the State of Florida. We are not only responsible for employing thousands of Floridians, but also help welcome millions of visitors to our great state each year. Governor Scott’s proposed investments in our port system is crucial to continuing this success and we look forward to seeing this funding passed during the upcoming Legislative session.”
Jim Citrano, Chairman of JAXPORT, said, “Since 2008, job creation supported by JAXPORT has grown tremendously and today, we are proud to support more than 130,000 jobs throughout northeast Florida. This incredible growth would not have been possible without the Governor’s commitment to making investments in our port and the area’s transportation system. We are so grateful to the Governor for once again seeking to make important investments in our ports through his ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ budget and hope to see this plan fully passed.”
Florida Ports Council President and CEO Doug Wheeler said, “Governor Scott continues to make Florida’s seaports a priority by investing in the necessary improvements to keep up with current needs and prepare for future growth in cargo and cruise passengers.”
