News & Updates
Florida Ports Council issues statement regarding Governor DeSantis’ federal stimulus budget recommendations
Florida Ports Council President & CEO Doug Wheeler provided the following statement regarding Governor Ron DeSantis’ recommendation to utilize $260 million of federal funds Florida is expected to receive from the recently signed American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for seaport relief.
“On behalf of the state’s 15 deep-water seaports, the Florida Ports Council extends tremendous gratitude to Governor DeSantis for recommending critical relief funds for Florida’s ports as they continue to deliver necessities to businesses and consumers.
“Decreased passenger activity due to the pandemic is estimated to have cost the state 169,000 jobs and nearly $23 billion in economic activity through 2020. The advocacy of our Governor, as well as the Department of Transportation Secretary, Kevin Thibault, has provided Florida seaports with the support they need to respond to significant economic impacts that we expect to continue while the passenger vessel industry remains suspended.”
Read more about Governor DeSantis’ budget recommendations to the Florida Legislature.