The Tampa Port Authority is pleased to announce a ribbon cutting today, to commemorate the completed reconstruction of the port’s berth 230. The berth is located within the R.E.K. petroleum complex.
John Fernandez, Assistant Secretary for Economic Development, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, spoke on behalf of the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Recovery Act fund and touted its role in developing meaningful projects and relationships, such as that demonstrated at the Port of Tampa. Richard Wainio, Tampa’s port director and chief executive, provided Fernandez with an overview of the port, its many lines of business and its economic impact.
The ribbon cutting symbolizes the end of phase one of the redevelopment of petroleum facilities at the Port of Tampa, the energy and petroleum products gateway to the west/central Florida region. This site alone handles the importation of about 40% of all the petroleum products coming into the region’s consumer market, including the jet fuel for Orlando International Airport. Partial funding, totaling $2.2 million, from the EDA Recovery Act, enabled the Tampa Port Authority to reconstruct berth 230. When fully operational, activity at this berth will enhance petroleum-related cargo flow into the Port of Tampa.
One of the nation’s largest and most diversified seaports, the Port of Tampa is the largest economic engine in west-central Florida, responsible for nearly 100,000 jobs and $8 billion in annual economic impact. Tampa is also a premier cruise home port and hub for shipyards and repair.
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Source: tampaport, August 6, 2010