Florida Seaport System Plan - SeaCIP

Florida Seaport System Plan
2.0 The Vision for Florida’s
Seaport System
Existing state-level planning documents provide guidance on Florida’s goals for
its transportation system, and for its economic development. Existing port
plans and the Seaport Mission Plan provide guidance on the individual and
collective goals of the ports. What has been missing is a clearly articulated
vision statement that reflects the shared views of the State of Florida, its ports,
and its port stakeholders, that can serve as a framework for port planning and
development.
2.1 A Vision for Florida’s Seaports
Florida’s seaport system is driven by two overarching themes: freight and
passenger transportation and trade and economic development. As described
in Section 1.0, these two themes represent the reason Florida’s seaports are so
important to Florida’s economic well-being – they stimulate economic
development through the efficient movement of waterborne trade and
passengers, while complementing and adhering to established local government
comprehensive plan policies.
Freight and Passenger Transportation – The trade and economic
development impacts generated by Florida’s seaports rely on the efficient
movement of people and goods throughout the State. The Florida
Transportation Plan (FTP), Strategic Intermodal System Plan (SIS), and the
Seaport Mission Plan emphasize freight and passenger movement. The
2060 FTP identifies the areas of safety and security, maintenance and
operations, community livability, and environmental stewardship as it
provides guidance on how the Florida Department of Transportation
(FDOT) facilitates the movement of people and goods. The SIS focuses on
mobility and economic competitiveness, including the efficient movement
of cargo and passengers. The Seaport Mission Plan calls out the importance
of freight and passenger transportation by striving for efficient and costeffective
facilities to accommodate the growing travels needs for both cargo
and passengers.
Trade and Economic Development – The international commerce and
cruise tourism made possible by Florida’s seaports ultimately result in
statewide economic growth and stability. The FTP, SIS, and the Seaport
Mission Plan address the importance of trade and economic development by
stressing the need for enhanced mobility for people and freight. The 2060
FTP recognizes the need to invest in transportation systems to support a
Florida Department of Transportation 2-1
December 2010