New master plan concepts accepted

The Manatee County Port Authority accepted new master plan concepts at its Feb. 21st meeting presented by consultants after 17 months of work.

The concepts include four alternatives with a maximum build out by 2038 projected to cost nearly $500 million. Funding for the master plan alternatives was not considered during the presentation, but it is expected to come from a combination of port revenues, state grants and public private partnerships.

Highlights of the master plan presentation included the construction of a northern harbor feature, which includes Berths 1, 2 and 3 with a clear emphasis on preserving the port’s existing customer base while optimizing its potential in containerization.

PBS&J, the lead consultant for the master plan, emphasized a critical timeline centered around the expansion of the Panama Canal. Other driving forces include the activation of the proposed Port Manatee Encouragement Zone in 2008; the completion in 2011 of the I-75 Connector Road PD&E study; the completion of the CSX Intermodal Logistics Center near Winter Haven, Fla. in 2012; all punctuated by the projected completion of the Panama Canal Expansion in 2014.

Source: Transportweekly