USA: Port of Tampa Gets State Funds for Major Infrastructure Improvements

The Tampa Port Authority announce that it has received $22.5 million in state funds toward the modernization and expansion of its primary petroleum terminal complex. Governor Scott announced today the allocation of these funds, through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), as part of his commitment to strategic investment in Florida seaports and trade development.

The Governor’s announcement represents a major strategic investment in the petroleum terminal infrastructure at the Port of Tampa. The Port of Tampa is the energy gateway for all of west central Florida, serving almost nine million people. Critical to consumers and the economic vitality of the region, all of the automobile gasoline and aviation jet fuel for the region’s airports (including Tampa and Orlando) moves through the port. Modernization and expansion of the port’s primary petroleum terminal will enable the port to continue to underpin the region’s economic growth, viability and job creation. This investment at the Port of Tampa will ensure that west central Florida’s business environment has the necessary energy supply to thrive deep into the 21st century

The petroleum complex refurbishment, estimated to cost $45 million, is comprised of three berths and manifolds, pipelines and related facilities to handle a diverse range of critical petroleum and liquid bulk products into west central Florida. The project is expected to generate more than 800 construction jobs and also to ensure the protection of almost 2,500 direct and indirect jobs. This project is ready to commence and is expected to be completed within 24 -30 months. When expansion and modernization is completed, the facility will be able to handle more than 70 million barrels of fuel annually.

“Governor Scott has clearly and consistently focused on the importance of strategic development and investment in trade and port infrastructure, and I want to express my deep appreciation to the Governor for today’s announcement,” Richard Wainio, Tampa’s port director and chief executive, said.

“This strategic investment by the state of Florida allocated through our strong partner, the Florida Department of Transportation, underscores the significance of the Port of Tampa as the energy products gateway to all of west central Florida,” said Wainio. “The Port of Tampa is the largest seaport in Florida, and petroleum is the largest cargo sector in the Port, with some 112 million barrels of petroleum products annually. Our planned upgrades and modernization will greatly enhance the port’s capacity.”

The Port of Tampa is the largest economic engine in west central Florida, supporting nearly 100,000 jobs and generating almost $8 billion in annual economic impact. The port handles a wide array of bulk, break bulk, containers and roll-on/roll-off cargoes, in addition to being a major cruise homeport and shipbuilding and repair center.

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World Maritime News Staff, February 10, 2012; Image: Port of Tampa