Florida Construction News staff writer
The City of Pensacola will receive $9 million from Florida’s Job Growth Grant Fund for infrastructure improvements at the Port of Pensacola aimed at expanding the state’s shipbuilding capacity.
The $9 million investment will help fund construction of the two boatbuilding facilities and is expected to create 2,000 jobs in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the grant as part of an effort to increase capacity in the nation’s maritime industrial base. Funding will support infrastructure needed to develop two new shipbuilding facilities tied to Project Maeve, an advanced shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing operation.
New facilities are expected to include about 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space and will be designed to produce complex Navy ship modules for submarines and surface ships, including warships up to 400 feet long.
“We have a strong economy because we have our priorities straight,” DeSantis said. “We have delivered record tax relief while making strategic investments in workforce education, infrastructure, and economic development projects that bring industry and jobs to our state.”
The grant will fund site development, utilities and other infrastructure and facility construction needed to support the shipbuilding expansion.
“By investing in this project, supporting our local and regional partners, and adding capacity to Florida’s overall industrial base, we are strengthening Florida’s growing maritime economy and doing our part to enhance our nation’s security,” Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said.
The investment comes as federal and state officials seek to expand the U.S. maritime industrial base and increase domestic shipbuilding capacity.
Florida has 16 deepwater seaports and more than 1,350 miles of coastline. The state is also home to 21 major military installations, including three combatant commands.
According to the state, Florida’s deepwater ports account for about $19.5 billion in gross domestic product and 1.2 million jobs.
Florida also ranks first nationally in workforce development, maritime industrial base jobs and ship- and boat-building establishments, with more than 1,500 such establishments and nearly 20% of the nation’s ship- and boat-builders located in the state.
The state also ranks first in the nation for yacht and pleasure craft exports and boat registrations. Florida’s recreational boating and fishing industry has an estimated $31.3 billion economic impact.
The Pensacola project is expected to add manufacturing capacity while creating new jobs in the maritime sector and strengthening the region’s role in the state’s broader shipbuilding industry.
