Governor Ron DeSantis Provides $2 Million to Manatee County Port Authority for SeaPort Manatee Infrastructure Upgrades via Florida Job Growth Grant Fund

PALMETTO, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a significant investment of $2 million awarded to the Manatee County Port Authority through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF). This funding is earmarked for vital infrastructure improvements at SeaPort Manatee, including the reconstruction and repaving of essential roadways, such as South Dock Street, along with crucial stormwater mitigation enhancements. These upgrades aim to bolster port resiliency, support economic expansion, and aid the region’s recovery from the economic fallout of the 2024 hurricane season.

“Today’s investment in SeaPort Manatee will enhance Florida’s export potential and boost manufacturing in our great state,” stated Governor Ron DeSantis. “As Florida draws in more domestic and international businesses, it is essential to strengthen our ports for improved operations.”

“Seaports are the backbone of Florida’s supply chain, and with the growth at SeaPort Manatee, infrastructure investments are critically needed,” remarked FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “I appreciate Governor DeSantis and FloridaCommerce for this Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, which will facilitate the movement of even more goods across the state.”

This funding will enhance the infrastructure required to meet the increasing demands of both established and new businesses as they expand their operations and create jobs. The project anticipates generating approximately 300 jobs while improving port efficiency, particularly supporting an expansion for Honeywell, a manufacturer in the home, aerospace, and automotive sectors. Furthermore, these enhancements are expected to attract new businesses in the next five years, including a cold storage warehouse, a fuel terminal, and a manufacturing facility.

The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is a targeted economic development program designed to foster public infrastructure and workforce training initiatives throughout the state. Proposals are carefully reviewed by FloridaCommerce and selected by Governor DeSantis to ensure they meet the infrastructure and workforce training needs of communities statewide.

For additional details regarding the Job Growth Grant Fund,
click here.

Key Information

• Event: $2 million awarded to Manatee County Port Authority
• Source of Funding: Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF)
• Purpose: Infrastructure improvements at SeaPort Manatee
• Improvements: Reconstruction and repaving of South Dock Street, stormwater mitigation
• Expected Outcomes: Support economic growth, enhance port resiliency, generate 300 jobs
• Businesses Impacted: Honeywell and new businesses including a cold storage warehouse, fuel terminal, and manufacturing facility
• Program Overview: Florida Job Growth Grant Fund promotes public infrastructure and workforce training
• For more information: click here