Sen. Rick Scott pushes for $140 million budget for Florida ports
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - During a stop in Port Canaveral on Tuesday, Senator Rick Scott vowed to secure more than $140 million in the federal budget to cover several port projects throughout Florida.
Scott made the announcement during his 'Fighting For Florida' budget agenda press conference.
"We want to continue to increase trade and increase great jobs, which ports do increase great jobs. We've got to continue to invest in our ports," Scott said.
In addition to the $140 million that is owed to Florida, Scott said that it's important to get more federal resources to increase port security and improve overall infrastructure.
Scott said there's a huge opportunity to grow Florida's port business.
"Even today, less than half of the goods that we buy in Florida that are shipped here internationally, come into a Florida port."
Meanwhile on Monday, the Canaveral Port Authority broke ground on construction for Port Canaveral's new Cruise Terminal 3 complex, dubbed the 'Launch Pad.' With a $163 million budget, it's the largest terminal project in the Port's history. It will be home to Carnival Cruise's new Mardi Gras ship.
The project is expected to be completed by May 2020.