Rick Scott, First Coast Political Leaders Showcase JaxPort Investments

Gov. Rick Scott, U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., and Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown reached across party lines to showcase the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF) project at the Dames Point Marine Terminal, part of the JaxPort system. The new system will allow quicker cargo transfer and is estimated to create more than 340 construction jobs and lead to hundreds of jobs in the future. The project relies on both federal and state funding.

Were committed to making Florida the trade gateway to the world, Scott said. Thats why we committed funding for this project to create more than 1,000 jobs for Florida families. This project will allow the port to be more competitive and grow more volume, which will create more opportunities for families in the Jacksonville community. We continue to invest in our seaports because they are tremendous economic generators and provide jobs for Florida families.

"There is no time to waste in strengthening the port to take full advantage of trade growth, create more jobs, and stay competitive in the regional, national, and international marketplace," Crenshaw said. Gov. Scott understands that projects like the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility and the deepening of the St. Johns are two examples of initiatives that will open the door wider to tremendous economic opportunity. He and everyone on the port team deserve our thanks. If we do not act quickly, JaxPort will fall behind competitors on the East Coast, and the economic engine that has driven this community for the past decade will be put in danger."

We appreciate the governors strong leadership in support of JaxPort to make sure our city and state stay competitive in the global economy, Brown said. We must build the very best port infrastructure to create more jobs and make the most of the growing business opportunities offered by international trade.

The project -- which drew $20 million from the state and $10 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation -- also garnered the praise of several state legislators, including Rep. Lake Ray, R-Jacksonville, one of the leading experts in the Legislature on ports issues.

This project is the next step in making JaxPort a key gateway for international trade and logistics, Ray said. We appreciate the governors support in accomplishing our vision.