Today, Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Transportation to provide the state’s seaports $250 million in federal stimulus money. Florida’s economy is now the 15th largest in the world and the state’s ports contribute to jobs, infrastructure and the movement of goods that Floridians rely on.
“Port Tampa Bay is incredibly grateful for the support of Governor Ron DeSantis. Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Transportation realize seaports are economic drivers that impact the regions they serve and the entire state. Our port remained open and ready to serve our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Port Tampa Bay will use our $20 million allocation to continue to support our strategic priority infrastructure and growth of the port. These funds will have an impact on the more than 85,000 direct and indirect jobs we touch,” explained Paul Anderson, Port Tampa Bay President & CEO.
On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act to provide economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Port Tampa Bay is appreciative of both Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Department of Transportation Kevin J. Thibault for recognizing these funds are critically important for the state’s seaports to continue to serve their regions.
Port Tampa Bay is not only Florida’s largest cargo tonnage port, it is also one of the most diversified ports in the country with a wide mix of dry bulk, liquid bulk, break bulk and RoRo cargo in addition to containers, as well as being a major shipbuilding and repair center and cruise home port. In addition, Port Tampa Bay is Central Florida’s largest economic engine contributing more than $18 billion in economic impact.