Florida Seaport System Plan - SeaCIP

Florida Seaport System Plan
• Each port works with its host communities, local governments, and
regional, state, and Federal governments to further its objectives. While
each port seeks to fund its operating and development costs from operating
revenues, some level of Federal, state, and/or local match is necessary.
Primarily, this support is required for access infrastructure outside of port
boundaries – navigation channels, highway connections and improvements,
rail connections, and facilities – but support may also be needed for onterminal
infrastructure improvements of structures or equipment, in
response to specific conditions or market opportunities.
• The State of Florida provides direct funding for seaport improvements and
also funds local and regional surface transportation improvement projects,
through the FSTED process, Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) funding,
and other means. The State’s support for its seaports is typically responsive
in nature when addressing on-port projects – that is, seaports identify needs
and the State addresses these needs based on available revenues and other
competing priorities. FDOT has a more proactive role in working with the
seaports to define and plan for landside transportation improvements, such
as highways connecting the ports to their markets. Examples of successful
intermodal connector improvements include the Crosstown Connector for
the Port of Tampa, Eller Drive for Port Everglades, and the new Tunnel for
the Port of Miami.
In the past, these independent responsibilities and complex relationships have
been adequate to address seaport needs and the needs of Florida businesses,
residents, and visitors. But the benefits provided by Florida’s seaports are
dynamic, and there are contradictory forces at work both providing new
opportunities and challenges. Today, several factors are changing this dynamic:
• Anticipated shifts in global trade patterns are creating unique opportunities
that must be seized, or else foregone. Expansion of the Panama Canal,
increased use of the all-water route from Asia to the East Coast, the
potential for opening trade with Cuba, increased use of the Suez Canal,
shifts in global manufacturing centers, and growth in North/South trade all
represent significant opportunities for Florida’s seaports.
• At the same time, port benefits are continually at risk from competition.
Florida’s seaports face competition from both domestic and international
ports. Domestically, they compete for market share with Gulf and South
Atlantic ports. For international markets, they compete with major
transshipment facilities in the Caribbean and Central America. In order for
Florida’s ports to be competitive, they need to have modern facilities,
adequate capacity, and efficient landside access (rail and highway) to
markets and major trade corridors. Florida is fortunate to have its 14
seaports positioned throughout the State providing efficient access to the
majority of the population. This, combined with the effective development
and use of America’s Marine Highway System, is a key opportunity for
Florida’s seaports. Constant improvement and innovation are necessary for
Florida’s ports to protect and grow their market shares.
1-4 Florida Department of Transportation
December 2010