Business leaders at the Port of Miami say Gov.-elect Rick Scott may be able to help them get the money they need for a project to dredge the port's southern channel.
The project, which would take the depth from 42 feet to 50 feet, is expected to cost $150 million. Officials say Miami-Dade County has already put up $80 million, but they need an additional $75 million from the federal government before they can proceed.
But some fear tension in Washington, coupled with the tight economy and calls to reduce spending, may prevent that money from ever reaching the port.
Some port officials say they're looking at the possibility of the state advancing the money for the project so they don't miss out on the opportunity to become the port of choice when the Panama Canal project is completed in 2014.
If the dredging isn't finished by 2014, nearby foreign ports such as Freeport in the Bahamas, which are already at 50 feet, will be able to take the Super Post Panamax ships and South Florida could miss out on a major boost to the economy.
