The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) has secured a US$40 million federal grant to modernise Berth 32 at the Blount Island Marine Terminal.
The funding was awarded through the US Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).
The project will rebuild approximately 900 feet of the berth. It will also increase its load-bearing capacity and upgrade infrastructure supporting cargo operations.
JAXPORT said the investment will expand its cargo-handling capabilities and strengthen connections serving the Southeast United States and Puerto Rico.
“Modernising Berth 32 at Blount Island builds on recent public and private investments to expand our port’s capabilities, strengthen cargo connections serving the Southeast US and Puerto Rico, and enhance our role as a US Strategic Seaport,” said Eric Green, CEO of JAXPORT.
Green also thanked US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Maritime Administrator Sang Yi and members of the North Florida Congressional Delegation for supporting the project.
“The strength of our nation’s economy is directly tied to the state of our ports,” stated Sean Duffy, US Transportation Secretary.
The JAXPORT grant forms part of a wider US$498 million federal funding package covering 35 port infrastructure projects across 19 US states.
