PUBLIC INFORMATION:
July 29, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kaycee Lagarde
850-435-1623
klagarde@cityofpensacola.com

Port of Pensacola Awarded Over $800K from Gov. DeSantis' Port Relief Package

The Port of Pensacola has been awarded over $800,000 as part of the $250 million in funding for Florida’s ports announced today by Gov. Ron DeSantis to assist in recovery from decreased revenue in 2020, and to invest in infrastructure at Florida’s ports. Florida’s ports generate an economic impact of $117.6 billion and support 900,000 jobs.

“I cannot thank Gov. DeSantis, FDOT Sec. Thibault and their staff enough for this critical financial support to Florida’s ports in this time of COVID-19," Port of Pensacola Director Clark Merritt said. "Maritime commerce requires a robust and modern seaport infrastructure that is sustainable and reliable to meet the continued growth in Northwest Florida. Additionally, the funding will greatly assist the port as we make our facilities more resilient and recover from the significant damage following Hurricane Sally in 2020.”

Gov. DeSantis said in a statement announcing the funding: “Not only are Florida ports a key economic driver for their surrounding communities, but also for our state as a whole,” “From the cruise industry, to cargo, to supporting military operations, our ports provide nearly 1 million jobs for Floridians. This $250 million investment in our ports is a commitment to our future economic prosperity for generations to come.”

“The impact seaports have on every region in our state is enormous and, under the Governor’s leadership, the state continues to make key investments in our transportation network to keep our state moving forward and ensure that goods make it to consumers efficiently,” said FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “The funding announced today will have lasting positive impacts and significantly assist our seaport partners, as well as their surrounding communities.”

This funding is specifically to support the financial recovery of Florida’s ports through the American Rescue Plan and the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund.

"The Port of Pensacola is such an integral part of Pensacola's waterfront commerce, and I'm very grateful to receive this funding to invest in and improve infrastructure at the port," Mayor Grover Robinson said. "We have seen great success at our port despite the challenges over the past year, and this funding will help the Port of Pensacola continue to build on that positive momentum."

Port of Pensacola leadership will be meeting with the Florida Department of Transportation to get more information about the allowable uses of the funding before creating an implementation plan.

The $250 million in funding announced by Governor DeSantis is outlined below:

About the Port of Pensacola

The Port of Pensacola, strategically positioned along the northern Gulf of Mexico, is Northwest Florida’s most diverse and business focused deep-water port. Port Pensacola is a full-service port offering stevedore and marine terminal services for all descriptions of bulk, break-bulk, unitized freight, and special project cargo. Additionally, offshore vessel marine maintenance, repair, and overhaul, or MRO, services are also delivered by Port tenants and business partners. The Port of Pensacola's motto is "big enough for any requirement but small enough to know you," and the Port makes sure its clients' goals are priority number #1.

For more information or general questions, email pio@cityofpensacola.com. To stay informed about what's happening with City of Pensacola government, sign up for email or text notifications through Notify Me or follow @CityofPensacola on social media.