News & Updates
Putnam County Advances Plans to Revitalize Port Putnam
Putnam County is taking the next big step toward revitalizing Port Putnam.
In late August, the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to support the submission of a $10 million federal grant application to help fund major infrastructure improvements at Port Putnam.
The proposed upgrades stem from the Port Development Plan, which was completed earlier this year thanks to a planning grant awarded to the county in 2022. The plan lays out essential improvements needed to transform Port Putnam into a fully functional cargo port. Among the top priorities are building a new bulkhead and creating cargo space to handle materials moving through the port. The total estimated cost for these improvements is $15.2 million.
If awarded, the $10 million federal grant would be paired with funding commitments from the state of Florida and Putnam County:
- Florida Department of Transportation: $1.9 million
- Florida Seaports Transportation Economic Development: $1.375 million
- Putnam County Port Authority/Board of County Commissioners: $2 million
Port Putnam has also gained attention at the federal level. In late August, U.S. Representative Randy Fine visited the port and met with Port Manager Sam Sullivan and County Administrator Terry Suggs to learn more about the project and discuss its potential to boost economic opportunities for Putnam County.
With support from local, state, and federal partners, the county is positioning Port Putnam as an important piece of future economic growth for the community.