JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – This morning, Senator Rick Scott visited JAXPORT to highlight his Fighting for Florida budget agenda, which includes more a more than $140 million investment for Florida Ports. Senator Scott will also visit Port Tampa Bay, Port Canaveral, Port Panama City and PortMiami for events throughout the week to highlight his commitment to fighting for the continued success of Florida’s ports.

Senator Scott’s Fighting for Florida budget agenda details specific priorities the Senator plans to fight for in this year’s Congressional budget and appropriations process, including:

MORE THAN $140 MILLION FOR FLORIDA’S PORTS

Investing in Florida’s infrastructure and seaports is about creating long-lasting, quality careers for Florida families and expanding Florida’s capability as a hub of commerce and international trade. Capitalizing on Florida’s proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean is critical to maintaining the state’s role in the nation’s waterborne exports and imports. Florida is home to 15 seaports and, as Governor, Senator Scott invested more than $1.4 billion over his term to modernize Florida’s seaports and trade infrastructure. This includes state investments of more than $140 million to cover the federal share of projects like the deepening of Port Miami, JAXPort Mile Point navigation and Port Canaveral West Turning Basin. The federal government has yet to live up to their promised commitment made under the Obama administration. As Governor, Senator Scott fought for the federal government to pay their fair share and as U.S. Senator, he will ensure the state is allocated these dollars. By making wise investments in Florida seaports and infrastructure, Florida’s international trade and seaports are seeing incredible success and growth, and thousands of jobs have been created.

This year, Senator Scott will fight to reimburse Florida for the more than $140 million investment that was made to cover the federal share. The Senator will also work to secure a significant investment for strategic projects designed to improve infrastructure and security at Florida’s ports. This includes increased funding for Customs and Border Protection, which manages security and logistics at Florida’s seaports. These investments will continue Florida’s success as a national and global leader for shipping and logistics.

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