Florida council provides $16.5 million for Port Everglades projects

The Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council last week approved the allocation of $16.5 million to Port Everglades to extend a turning notch and lengthen a cruise berth.

The Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale, Fla., port will receive $14.7 million to lengthen the Southport Turning Notch from 900 feet to 2,400 feet to provide space for up to five new cargo berths. The port also will obtain $1.8 million to lengthen Slip 2 by 250 feet to accommodate larger cruise ships.

"Florida's investment in seaports and other infrastructure demonstrates a commitment to making our state a global leader in international trade," said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Director Steven Cernak in a press release.

Over the next few years, the port also plans to deepen its channel from 42 feet to 48 feet, widen the channel entrance and add an intermodal container transfer facility (ICTF) that will be served by Florida East Coast Railway L.L.C. The ICTF is slated to open in mid-2014.