Tallahassee Sun

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a significant grant of $11,250,000 for the expansion of Port Panama City in Florida. Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D., who represents Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, has been instrumental in securing this funding.

In a statement, Congressman Dunn expressed his enthusiasm for the grant, saying, "This grant funding for Port Panama City is outstanding news for Florida’s Second Congressional District! The PCPA is Northwest Florida’s primary port that supports over 11,000 jobs in the Panhandle. I worked with PCPA to secure this award, which will allow the port to expand cargo handling capacity at its East Terminal and create over 300 jobs and millions of dollars in revenue. I’m looking forward to the great things to come from Port Panama City, and I stand ready to help boost our local economy in any way possible."

The grant funding comes from the FY23 Port Infrastructure Development Program, a discretionary grant program aimed at improving the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port. This investment will enable the Port Panama City Expansion Project to proceed.

The Port Panama City Expansion Project includes the construction of a 200,000-square-foot warehouse facility to accommodate the growth of forest product imports and exports. Additionally, the project involves an extension of the rail spur and improvements to the terminal roadway to serve the warehouse.

This expansion project is vital for the region as it will enhance the capacity of Port Panama City to handle increased cargo and stimulate economic growth. The creation of over 300 jobs and the generation of millions of dollars in revenue will have a significant positive impact on the local economy.

The grant from the DOT is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Congressman Dunn and the Port Panama City Authority. Together, they have worked diligently to secure the funding needed to realize this important project.

As the expansion project moves forward, Port Panama City is poised to become an even more significant hub for trade and commerce in Northwest Florida. The increased capacity and improved infrastructure will attract more businesses and create new opportunities for economic development in the region.

Congressman Dunn's dedication to supporting the local economy and job growth is commendable. His efforts in securing this grant for Port Panama City demonstrate his commitment to serving the needs of his constituents and promoting the prosperity of the 2nd Congressional District.

The future looks bright for Port Panama City, and the entire community can look forward to the positive impact that this expansion project will bring.

Click this link to access more information: https://dunn.house.gov/press-releases?ID=39578782-A8CB-4A92-9B16-94C9EE1CEB9C