Port Tampa Bay secures USD$9m funding

The Big Bend Channel, which connects to the Tampa Harbour main channel, will be deepened from 34 to 43 feet and widened from 200 to 250 feet to enable the port to handle larger cargo ships.

Paul Anderson, president and CEO of Port Tampa Bay, said: “The members of our Board and our entire team are excited that the Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Office of Management and Budget recognize that the Big Bend Channel project will set the standard for innovative partnerships by utilizing a less than 20 percent federal stake in this estimated $55 million strategic project to support navigational improvements.”

Funding for the project, one of the strategic priorities in the port’s recently released Vision 2030 Master Plan, will also come from the State of Florida, via the port’s strategic partner, the Florida Department of Transportation.

The Governor’s Office in Florida has been a long-term investor in the port’s seaport infrastructure projects.

Florida Department of Transportation interim secretary, Rachel Cone, commented: “Governor Scott’s emphasis on increased port funding is a major economic engine for job creation in Florida.”

Mr Anderson added: “The Port has already invested $30 million in infrastructure, with assistance from the Florida Department of Transportation, for the growing Port Redwing maritime complex that will be served by the Big Bend Channel.”