Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Monday awarded $9.5 million to SeaPort Manatee to accelerate its recovery and repair efforts after severe damage caused by Hurricane Milton. As Southwest Florida’s main deep-water seaport, SeaPort Manatee plays a crucial role in distributing essential goods like fuel, food, and construction materials throughout the region.
Initial assessments estimate potential losses at the port to be around $225 million, affecting warehouses, docking facilities, and port offices. While insurance will cover some damages, many critical areas remain uninsured.
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“This action to get SeaPort Manatee back to full operations will benefit the people of Florida, ensure the hardening of our infrastructure for future disasters, and ensure normal life is resumed for Floridians as soon as possible,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Taking action to address these impacts now is imperative to keep Florida on the road to recovery.”
The $9.5 million package includes:
- $5.5 million for emergency berth repairs and dredging,
- $3.5 million for immediate security enhancements, and
- $500,000 for future infrastructure planning.
In addition to financial aid, DeSantis has mobilized state agencies, including FDOT, DEP, FDEM, and the Florida National Guard, to expedite recovery and ensure that SeaPort Manatee returns to full operational capacity.
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“With the major impact that seaports have on our state’s economy and the quality of life for our residents, it’s critical that we ensure our seaports are open and fully operational, particularly SeaPort Manatee given the significant damage they sustained following Hurricane Milton,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis, our state agency partners, and all our seaport partners as we work together to ensure Florida’s seaports stay open for business.”
In 2023, SeaPort Manatee generated $7.3 billion in economic value, supported over 42,000 U.S. jobs, and contributed $275 million in state and local taxes.
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