The post Port Tampa Bay lands $24M federal grant to expand capacity appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
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Port Tampa Bay has received a $24 million federal grant to expand its berth to accommodate more vessels.
The grant, from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program, will support the port’s Berth 300 Extension Project at Port Redwing.
The port is covering $16 million of the total $40 million project to extend berth 300 by 800 feet. The expansion will create a 1,300-foot berth and establishing 2,800 contiguous linear feet of berth space.
“This investment enhances Port Tampa Bay’s capacity to support Florida’s position among the world’s top economies, while improving supply chain efficiency and resilience across regional and national markets,” Port Tampa Bay President and CEO Paul Anderson said. “We appreciate the support of the Administration and MARAD and their confidence in our vision to meet growing cargo demand at Port Tampa Bay and across West Central Florida.”
Added vessel capacity will allow the port to reduce vessel wait times, provide better turnaround efficiency and create greater flexibility for vessel types. Once complete, the port will be able to allow up to four 650-foot handysize bulk carriers or three of the largest dry bulk vessels in the Gulf to all dock simultaneously.
Dry bulk cargo, which Port Redwing primarily accepts, includes aggregates such as granite and limestone, cement, gypsum and grain, materials that support construction, infrastructure and agriculture.
The expansion will allow existing tenants to meet or exceed existing commitments to handle more than 5.7 million tons of cargo per year.
“This project positions the port to meet rising demand today while preparing for the continued growth we see across Florida,” Anderson said.
Port Tampa Bay is seeking the project to support increased population throughout the region, and the increased consumption that comes along with it. The project will also support major public and private infrastructure investment across the state.
By increasing maritime capacity, the project is also expected to help reduce truck traffic, improve road safety and lower emissions.
The post Port Tampa Bay lands $24M federal grant to expand capacity appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
