What they are saying: Federal funding for JAXPORT Harbor Deepening construction
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- What they are saying: Federal funding for JAXPORT Harbor Deepening construction
Here’s what government, industry and local leaders have to say in response to the allocation of federal funds to start construction of Jacksonville’s project to deepen the federal shipping channel to 47 feet:
Governor Rick Scott
Governor Rick Scott“These investments help Florida create jobs and become a global hub for trade. It’s great to finally have a partner in the federal government committed to making projects like this happen in our state.”
Congressman Ted Yoho
Congressman Ted Yoho“The completion of this project will create 15,000 U.S. jobs, have a $24 dollar return for every $1 invested, and will improve the shipping industry of Florida. JAXPORT is vitally important to Florida’s economy. The completion of this project at JAXPORT will create good paying jobs and drive economic growth for the region, the state, and the nation.”
Congressman John Rutherford
“This funding is a great start to the needed dredging at JAXPORT which will allow economic growth and trade to prosper in Northeast Florida. It is important that the port be brought to its fully authorized level, and I look forward to working with the administration so our port can remain the epicenter for national security and job creation.”
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry“We now have a firm commitment from Washington and a clear demonstration that the expansion of JAXPORT is a national priority. This will mean more jobs and economic growth for Jacksonville and Northeast Florida in the years ahead.”
Jacksonville City Councilman
Garrett Dennis
“It’s something that the city has been pushing for quite a long time, to deepen the port, so we can get more ships in, more cargo, so we can get more people employed.”
Florida Department of Transportation interim Secretary Rachel Cone
“Governor Scott’s continued investments in our seaports is paying off in a big way. FDOT is pleased to see our significant funding for the channel deepening has helped to attract federal funding for this vital project.”
JAXPORT Board Chair Jim Citrano
JAXPORT Board Chair Jim Citrano“These first federal dollars for the project’s construction ensure that the federal government believes in the project, has confidence in it, and will continue to support it.”
JAXPORT interim CEO Eric Green
JAXPORT interim CEO Eric Green“We are thankful for the support of our elected representatives in Washington, Tallahassee and here at home who are working tirelessly to ensure our port remains competitive in the rapidly expanding Asian trade lane, continues to generate high-quality jobs for the citizens of Northeast Florida and remains ready to serve in the interest of national security.”
Florida Ports Council President and CEO Doug Wheeler
Florida Ports Council President and CEO Doug Wheeler“While the need for continuous port development and expansion remains, it is encouraging to see the federal government finally stepping up to recognize the importance of seaport investments by committing critical funds to strategic seaport projects.”