Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has awarded the Manatee County Port Authority $2 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) for improving infrastructure at Seaport Manatee. The funding will support the reconstruction of major roads, including South Dog Street, and implement essential stormwater mitigation. This enhancement aims to strengthen port resilience from the impact of the 2024 hurricane season, promote economic growth and recover aid.
“Our investment today will increase the likelihood of exports in Florida and increase production,” Desantis said. “It’s essential to strengthen the port as we attract more businesses.”
Florida Department of Transport Secretary Jared W. Perdue, PE, stressed the importance of these infrastructure investments in Florida supply chains and thanked Governor Desantis and Floridacommerce for the grant.
The project is set to create 300 jobs while improving port efficiency and supporting the expansion of Honeywell, a manufacturer of a variety of products. This upgrade will attract new businesses over the next five years, including cold storage warehouses and fuel terminals.
The Florida Employment Growth Grant Fund promotes public infrastructure and workforce training statewide, reviewed by Floridacommerce and selected by Governor Desantis.
