CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Following the announcement that $250 million is being invested in Florida’s Seaports, port directors are eager to put investments to work to shore up their port infrastructure. Florida’s ports impact the operations of state and local economies, and faced a large decrease in revenue while operations were unfairly halted in 2020. This funding fills in for revenue losses and also supports job creation by investing in port infrastructure, which will generate lasting impacts within the State of Florida. Here is what community leaders and port directors are saying about the funding announcement.
“This relief funding is incredibly important and critically necessary to Port Canaveral and the many thousands of jobs that depend on our success,” said Capt. John Murray, Canaveral Port Authority CEO. “Our role and responsibility as a major economic driver for the State of Florida could not be fulfilled without the partnership of the Florida Department of Transportation and the strategic investments the agency has made in our growth. We are enormously grateful and thank Governor DeSantis and Secretary Thibault for your continuing support of us.”
“Throughout the pandemic, Port Everglades remained open while operating at a significant loss because Florida residents cannot survive without the commodities that ships carry,” said Jonathan Daniels, Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director. “This relief package that Gov. DeSantis and Secretary Thibault worked throughout the pandemic to secure will provide greatly needed support for Port Everglades and other seaports in Florida to continue operating and employing skilled labor. Seaports are the lifeblood of our community, especially in a pandemic when PPE, fuel and food are daily necessities. This federal relief is critical to keep the supply chain moving.”
“JAXPORT is extremely grateful for the long-standing support we have received from Governor DeSantis and Secretary Thibault,” said Eric Green, JAXPORT Chief Executive Officer. “Through this historic investment, we are well-positioned to not only protect Florida jobs but to also continue to grow our port and the positive impact we have on the economy of our region and state.”
“On behalf of PortMiami and the residents of Miami-Dade County, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Governor Ron DeSantis for this allocation,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava. “PortMiami and our local cruising industry is a cornerstone of our regional economy and we are grateful for pivotal state and federal support for our Port during this challenging time.”
