As Hurricane Milton threatens Florida’s Gulf Coast, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott are calling on the federal government to take swift action to protect one of the state’s most vital economic hubs—Port of Tampa Bay.
The port handles over 40 percent of Florida’s petroleum products, making it a crucial link for fuel supplies and recovery efforts.
In a letter to President Joe Biden, Rubio and Scott emphasized the importance of expediting federal measures to prevent disruptions at the port and its federal channel, which could face significant damage from Hurricane Milton.
READ: Hurricane Milton’s Fury Unstoppable Even With Changing Structure As It Eyes Florida
The senators warned that long-term damage to the port could severely impact Florida’s economy and hinder disaster response and recovery efforts.
“With Hurricane Milton bearing down on Florida’s Gulf Coast, we request you direct federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential impediments or destruction of the Port of Tampa Bay and its associated federal channel. Long-term disruptions to the port would not only hinder disaster response and recovery but have lasting consequences for Florida’s economy,” the senators wrote.
The letter highlights the Port of Tampa Bay’s critical role in supplying fuel, construction materials, and other essential goods to communities along the Gulf Coast and the I-4 Corridor. Any extended disruption to the port’s operations could lead to fuel shortages and price hikes, further complicating recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
To mitigate these risks, Rubio and Scott urged the president to:
- Ensure U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assets are ready to assess and clear the federal channel for debris immediately after the storm.
- Mobilize the Army Corps of Engineers for emergency dredging and repairs to restore the port’s navigability and infrastructure.
- Utilize waivers, if necessary, to facilitate the interstate delivery of petroleum products by truck, rail, and sea.
The senators stressed the urgency of these preparations, noting that taking action now could significantly speed up recovery efforts if the worst-case scenario occurs.
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