Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced $250 million in funding for Florida’s ports to help with economic recovery as a result of decreased revenue last year.
“Not only are Florida ports a key economic driver for their surrounding communities, but also for our state as a whole,” said DeSantis. “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.”
DeSantis has been in a months-long battle with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over the CDC imposing strict COVID measures for Florida’s cruise industry, which utilizes Florida’s numerous ports. The CDC would have required cruise patrons to disclose vaccination status, and DeSantis has not backed down saying Florida will continue to enforce Florida law, which bans vaccine passports.
“We are going to enforce Florida law,” DeSantis said. “I mean, we have Florida law. We have laws that protect the people and the privacy of our citizens, and we are going to enforce it.”
Back in May, DeSantis blasted the federal government over its meddling in state policy and said “it’s time to vindicate the state’s rights.”
“We believe that it is time for us to vindicate the state’s rights and the rights of the state in court and also vindicate the livelihoods of the tens of thousands of Floridians who depend on this industry,” DeSantis said. “Help is on the way. We’re going to keep at this until we finally get it open.”
Florida Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault emphasized the needed funding for Florida’s ports and the economic impact they have on Florida.
“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 Thibault. “The funding announced today will have lasting positive impacts and significantly assist our seaport partners, as well as their surrounding communities.”
Florida’s ports constitute nearly $120 billion in economic impact, and the fund will be split across Florida’s 13 ports.
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Grant Holcomb is a reporter at the Florida Capital Star and the Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
