Gov. Scott pushes work on Canaveral forward
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It has been announced that thousands of jobs will be created after an expansion for Port Canaveral, Florida was pushed forward by Governor Rick Scott.
The approval has meant that the Florida Department of Transportation will invest US$24.4 million to support the expansion of Port Canaveral’s channel – a project which was originally scheduled to begin work in 2017. The port will also invest in the project.
“Port Canaveral is a key component to the region’s long-term vitality and a driving economic force of the Space Coast, as well as Central Florida’s hub to the world, and this port and this region cannot wait several more years for this crucial project to be complete,” said Governor Scott, in a quote on the government website. “Florida will step up to help create construction jobs in the near future and lasting permanent jobs, rather than take a chance on getting the federal government’s help.”
The port has estimated that a total of 3,494 permanent jobs, plus 3,413 construction positions, will become available as a result of the decision. In an area where unemployment is at 9.4% – compared with the state average of 8.6% – this is obviously a welcome decision.
The expansion is aimed at growing the potential of the port to process bigger cargo and cruise vessels.
The work is scheduled to be completed by 2015.