May 20, 2014

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today applauded the United States Congress, with emphasis on efforts made by the Florida Congressional Delegation, for the passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).  WRDA, which includes dredging and infrastructure components, will positively impact Florida ports, including Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, Port of Jacksonville and Port of Palm Beach. 

“With the passage of WRDA today by the U.S. Congress, Florida can expect to see a boost in economic growth and job development by way of manufacturing and transportation industries looking to locate near our Florida ports,” said AIF President & CEO Tom Feeney.  “Along with Governor Rick Scott, AIF and its members have been advocating to expand our ports’ capabilities to accommodate the super-sized ships and build more manufacturing and transportation infrastructure as a result of the Panama Canal expansion.” 

“As a state affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, AIF has supported these maritime and manufacturing efforts in our nation’s Capitol, and we applaud the leadership efforts by Governor Scott, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, Congresswoman Lois Frankel, Congressman John Mica, Congressman Steve Southerland, and Congressman Dan Webster for seeing this good bill through the process.  AIF supports WRDA and encourages the U.S. Senate to pass this bill so that we can see the fruits of its labor in action here in Florida.”

“Florida's water resources are a competitive advantage that we must continue to responsibly develop,” said Congressman Webster.  “Investing in our ports, harbors and other water infrastructure will expand our economic footprint, create jobs and help us compete to be the crossroads of international trade following the completed expansion of the Panama Canal. If you manufacture goods, import or export products, ship containers or aggregates, retail consumer merchandise, or work in any of these industries, then this bill is for you.”