Rick Scott Calls for More Ports Investments

Speaking at JaxPort on Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott announced plans to spend $1 billion over 8 years, including the 4 he has served in Tallahassee, to improve Floridas ports.

As we work to create even more jobs for the next generation, investing in our ports is key to our success, Scott said. Our ports are our connection to global commerce and the world. If we want to become a destination for the worlds tourists and for the worlds jobs we have to keep investing in our ports.

While many states waited on Washington to help fund infrastructure needs, Florida never waited on the federal government to step in and help us be more competitive or successful, Scott added. In Florida, we have made investments in our seaports and expedited funding for major ports projects and I am proud we are committing to invest a total of $1 billion in Floridas ports over our entire 8-year term in office.

Scotts plans include continuing support for port infrastructure even as ports across the Sunshine State ready for the Panama Canal expansion, including finishing the Miami deep dredge on schedule. Scotts plan also calls for backing the Intermodal Logistics Center (ILC) support program, increased marketing and a renewed commitment to manufacturing.