Miami Port Director Johnson Recognized in Florida Governor’s State of the State Address

Bill Johnson, chairman of the Florida Ports Council and the director of PortMiami, was recognized by Gov. Rick Scott in the March 5 State of the State address to the Florida legislature in Tallahassee. During the speech, the governor stressed the importance of Florida’s ports to economic development. He emphasized the need for strategic infrastructure investments to grow Florida’s economy, highlighting his budget recommendation of $288 million in seaport improvements. In that context, he made note of Mr. Johnson’s presence in the legislative hall, spoke of the Miami port deepening project and its importance as a job creator, and invited the Miami port director to stand and be recognized.

Gov. Scott said the expansion of the Panama Canal, due for completion in 2015, will be an opportunity for the state to grow international trade and commerce, including at PortMiami, which is deepening its channel to accommodate the larger cargo container ships that will begin passing through the canal in two years. New trade opportunities, the governor said, will create thousands of jobs throughout the state.

The strategic seaport investments include improving connectivity for enhanced freight movement, enhancing existing berths and terminals, strategic dredging of channels, and increasing capacity for larger ships both for cargo and cruise. These investments are complemented by initiatives such as removing the manufacturing equipment tax, which together will result in increased exports and, therefore, job growth in Florida.

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