Florida legislators presented a $30 million check to JaxPort during the port’s monthly board of directors meeting Aug. 28.
The money will be used to buy two new container cranes for the Blount Island Marine Terminal.
A news release from JaxPort said the money was appropriated by the state Legislature under the leadership of House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo with support from the Duval Legislative Delegation.
Members of the Duval Delegation include state Reps. Jessica Baker, Dean Black, Kimberly Daniels, Wyman Duggan, Kiyan Michael and Angie Nixon, as well as state Sens. Tracie Davis and Clay Yarborough.
The release said the cranes will increase JaxPort’s cargo handling efficiencies, allowing more cargo to move through the port.
“This year’s budget allocates $30 million for the purchase of two new ship-to-shore cranes, replacing outdated equipment at the port. The acquisition of these cranes will increase the efficiency and capacity of JAXPORT, improving vessel turnaround and supply chain efficiency,” Renner said in the release.
“We are grateful to Gov. Ron DeSantis, Speaker Paul Renner and the entire Florida Legislature for their continued investment in our state’s ports and the jobs, economic impact and supply chain security we create for the people of Florida,” JaxPort CEO Eric Green said in the release.
JaxPort is Florida’s largest container port. The release said cargo activity through Jacksonville’s seaport supports 138,000 jobs and $31 billion in annual economic impact for the region and state.