Amports to expand acreage at Jacksonville port

The Jacksonville Port Authority's board yesterday approved two long-term agreements with automobile processor Amports Inc., which will expand its lease space at the Florida port.

One lease extends an existing leased property at the port's Blount Island Marine Terminal; the second agreement provides Amports with 22.4 acres of new space for auto processing and storage at the Dames Point Marine Terminal, port authority officials said in a press release.

Both leases are for 25 years with two five-year renewals if the extensions are approved by mutual agreement. Both properties offer direct waterside access for vessel loading and unloading, plus access to rail capabilities.

Amports now leases more than 170 acres from the port authority. The company also plans to develop an additional 40 to 45 acres of property at Dames Point by 2023, port authority officials said.