Gov. DeSantis is pumping money into storm-ravaged SeaPort Manatee

governor Ron DeSantis marks progress in Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Milton as the state returns to pre-storm normality.

But there is still a long way to go in the hardest-hit areas of the state.

In Palmetto at Seaport manateeDeSantis announced his goal of achieving “as minimal disruption to the supply chain as possible,” with the intention of “finding a path forward” given Hurricane Milton’s estimated $200 million in damages.

Much of this is covered by insurance, but not all of it.

To that end, DeSantis is allocating $9.5 million to “stimulate recovery and assist in repairing affected infrastructure,” including “$5.5 million for emergency repairs and dredging of moorings in state waters, 3.” “$5 million for immediate security needs and access control and $500,000 to support planning activities to strengthen port infrastructure.”

Additionally, “subject matter experts” from the Florida Department of Transportation will direct the Department of Environmental Protection to “expedite approvals for immediate infrastructure reconstruction and by managing the support of (DEM) and navigating the (Federal Emergency Management Agency) procurement process and by providing Florida National Guard personnel to restore perimeter security and support and repair the port fence.”

The stakes are high, DeSantis said, as SeaPort Manatee is Southwest Florida’s “principal deepwater port, providing 400 million gallons of transportation, fuel, fruits, vegetables, equipment, building materials and lumber for distribution throughout, but also throughout, Southwest Florida.” Southwest Florida’s Greater Southeast Region,” supports “42,000 U.S. jobs” and has “generated $275 million in state and local revenue and contributed $7.3 billion in economic value to the economy.”

The governor estimates that for every dollar invested in the port, the state will receive an economic benefit of $7.

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