Port Miami deep dredge gives businesses the infrastructure needed for growth
The State of Florida issued a news release announcing the completion of the PortMiami deep dredge project which deepens the port’s main harbor channel from 42 feet to a depth of 52 feet to accommodate Post-Panamax ships.
Of the total cost of $220 million for the channel deepening, the state of Florida invested $112 million and Miami-Dade County invested $108 million. Governor Scott announced plans to fully fund the $77 million federal shortfall for the port dredging project in March 2011 so that Florida could take advantage of enhanced international trade with the widening of the Panama Canal.
Governor Scott said, “We did not wait on the federal government to fund this important project. We stepped up because we want Florida to be a global leader in trade and it’s exciting to see the completion of this project. Even more exciting, is the 33,000 jobs this project will create for families. This week, we also learned that Florida is home to four of the country’s 10 fastest growing ports, and it’s certain that the investment in PortMiami’s infrastructure has better positioned our entire state for continued growth. The completion of the PortMiami deep dredge is historic for all of Florida as PortMiami officially becomes the only major global trade hub south of Virginia capable of handling bigger, more modern post-Panamax ships.“
The state is also contributing $20 million toward the purchase of four new Super Post-Panamax cranes to enable loading and unloading of larger Post-Panamax ships and $10.9 million for Intermodal Freight Rail Restoration at the port.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said, “The completion of the deep dredge and the intermodal on-dock rail project are a major milestone not only for Miami-Dade County and PortMiami, but for all of Florida because the entire Sunshine State will benefit from increased trade opportunities once the expanded Panama Canal opens in 2016. I thank Governor Rick Scott, our state legislators, county commissioners and all who advocated for these critical projects. The completion of both projects ensures that PortMiami will remain competitive in the global marketplace.“
Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera said, “I am proud to celebrate this historic day at PortMiami. By investing in Florida’s ports, we are ensuring that businesses have the transportation infrastructure needed to grow and succeed in our state. I would like to thank everyone involved in PortMiami’s continued development which will bring thousands of new jobs to hardworking Florida families.”
In May 2014, Governor Scott celebrated the completion of the Port of Miami Tunnel which connects SR A1A/MacArthur Causeway to Dodge Island providing direct access between the seaport and highways I-395 and I-95.
Source: Florida Gov
