Pensacola is getting a sizable economic boost to its shipbuilding industry.
Gov. Ron DeSantis this month approved $9 million to provide infrastructure improvements in order to expand the shipbuilding trade at the Port of Pensacola. DeSantis signed off on funding from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.
The money will go toward expanding the complex at the Port that produces U.S. Navy ships and is designed to create about 2,000 jobs.
“We have a strong economy because we have our priorities straight. 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,” DeSantis said in a news release.
“We’re building on that track record with a $9 million investment to support the construction of two boatbuilding facilities at the Port of Pensacola. These facilities will produce complex Navy ship modules for submarines and surface ships.”
The $9 million infrastructure improvements will include site development at the Port, including utilities and facility construction. The target area for improvements will encompass about 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
Florida Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly said the funding is key to keeping Florida a player in the military industry.
“Under Gov. DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has ensured our state remains economically competitive through strategic investments that increase Florida’s maritime manufacturing capacity — bringing high-skill, high-wage jobs to Florida communities,” Kelly said.
“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.”
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund has provided about $341 million for various projects across the state since 2019 and is credited with creating about 45,500 jobs. The program is designed to promote public infrastructure and enhance workforce training.
The city of Pensacola also obtained a $76 million grant from Triumph Gulf Coast to support the Port project. Triumph is a Panhandle regional organization established after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster in 2010.
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