With the Panama Canal expansion expected to be complete in late 2014 and a rival project starting to form in Nicaragua, Gov. Rick Scott doubled down on Floridas commitment to transportation infrastructure on Monday.
Scott launched the first four investments in the Intermodal Logistics Center (ILC) Infrastructure Support Program as he announced the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) would invest almost $5 million into four projects across the state which would, he insist, create more than 1,200 jobs. The four recipients will have to match 50 percent of the funds from the FDOT.
The South Florida Logistics Center (SFLC) project in Miami receives the bulk of the funds, getting a $2.5 million grant from the FDOT which will help create truck loading ramps and help improve access. Scott insisted this project and the funding would create more than 1,000 jobs in South Florida.
I am committed to ensuring that our transportation projects create more job opportunities for Florida families, Scott said. With this $2.5 million investment for the South Florida Logistics Center, well create more than 1,000 jobs for families in the Miami area, which is great news.
The FDOT is sending the Port Manatee Commerce Center (PMCC) project a $175,000 grant to be used for rail and a loading ramp.
Im committed to ensuring that our transportation projects create more jobs for Florida families, Scott said. This investment of $175,000 for Port Manatee will enhance port infrastructure and create more opportunities for families in the region.
Estimates find the PMCC investment will create 76 jobs in the area. Port Manatee is the closest port in the eastern United States to the Panama Canal.
Over on the First Coast, Scott announced the Keystone ILC Terminal in Jacksonville would get a $1.4 million grant from FDOT for rail and a new a facility for containers going through the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT). This funding and project will help create 99 new jobs.
The FDOT is sending a $900,000 grant to the Port of Panama City Intermodal Distribution Center project which estimates hold will create 23 jobs. The grant will be used to create roads and a cargo transfer facility.
FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad insisted the funds would help create jobs across the Sunshine State.
The Intermodal Logistics Center (ILC) Infrastructure Support Program is an important part of the departments commitment to support freight growth in Florida, Prasad said. By enhancing our trade and logistics infrastructure we will create job opportunities and strengthen Floridas economy.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com.
