Governor Ron DeSantis has awarded $2 million to the Manatee County Port Authority through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) to support infrastructure improvements at SeaPort Manatee.
The funding will be used to reconstruct and repave key roadways, including South Dock Street, and to implement critical stormwater mitigation improvements. These enhancements aim to strengthen port resiliency, support economic growth, and assist the region’s recovery from the economic impacts of the 2024 hurricane season.
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“Today’s investment in SeaPort Manatee will grow Florida’s export potential and increase manufacturing in our great state,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “As Florida continues to attract more domestic and international business, it is critical that we bolster Florida’s ports for greater operations.”
FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., also highlighted the importance of the investment, stating, “Seaports are the backbone of Florida’s supply chain and with the growth at SeaPort Manatee, infrastructure investments are critically needed. I’m grateful for Governor DeSantis and Florida Commerce for this Florida Job Growth Grant Fund that will allow even more goods to reach communities across the state.”
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The project is expected to generate 300 jobs by enhancing infrastructure to meet the growing demands of existing and new businesses. It will support an expansion for Honeywell, a home, aerospace, and automotive products manufacturer, and attract new businesses over the next five years, including a cold storage warehouse, a fuel terminal, and a manufacturing facility.
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program focused on public infrastructure and workforce training. Proposals are reviewed by FloridaCommerce and selected by Governor DeSantis.
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