ABOVE: U.S. Sec. Pete Buttigieg (C) and Tampa leaders at Port Tampa Bay Aug. 23. Photo by Ryan Williams-Jent.
TAMPA | U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg kicked off his six-state Building a Better America Tour at Port Tampa Bay Aug. 23, highlighting a $12.6 million federal grant awarded to the organization.
Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port, handling more than 33 million tons of cargo each year across 5,000 acres. It supports nearly 85,000 jobs in Tampa Bay and generates an economic impact of more than $17 billion.
The $12.6 million was awarded through the Biden-Harris administration’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program, made possible by the bipartisan passage of President Biden’s infrastructure law. A total of five RAISE grants have been awarded to Florida thus far.
Buttigieg was joined by U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Port Tampa Bay CEO Paul Anderson and Ken Williams, president of Teamsters Local Union 79. Each reflected on the funding’s impact.
Anderson began by detailing Port Tampa Bay’s plans. Two berths will be connected by a 1,025 dock, creating a 3,000-linear-foot area capable of simultaneously docking three of the largest cargo vessels able to navigate the channel. This will add capacity, increase efficiency, create jobs and more.
“This project fully optimizes the supply chain economics,” Anderson said. “This project will also eliminate nearly 3 million truck miles annually and reduce wear and tear in nearby roadways and highways in the communities that this port serves.”
Mayor Castor spoke next, calling Tampa “the most wonderful city in the entire nation.”
“As many of you know the foundation of our economic growth and quality of life here in the Tampa Bay region depends on a number of things,” she said. “But two of the most important elements are our infrastructure and the people in our community.”
“This is a transformative project and we are very, very thankful for the bipartisan infrastructure bill and law that has allowed it to come to fruition in our city,” Castor said, pointing out that Buttigieg is a former mayor. “No one understands this potential like our nation’s mayors, and I want to thank President Biden for appointing so many mayors to his administration.”
U.S. Rep. Castor spoke next, highlighting her support for the infrastructure law as well as the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act. Both laws are historic investments that will impact Tampa Bay and “put politics over people,” she said.
Buttigieg followed an address from Williams, who detailed the importance of local workers, and his deputy secretary who advised RAISE program will fund 166 projects total this year. The secretary began by discussing the administration’s commitment to every American.
“It’s easy to talk about all the issues and challenges that you have in American transportation,” Buttigieg said. “It’s harder to actually roll up your sleeves and get something done. That’s exactly what we’re doing.
“Tampa is just one of 166 communities across the country getting good news this month through this program alone,” he continued. “And this program – thanks to that legislation – is larger than it’s ever been before … I am thrilled to be here to celebrate the award to the Port Tampa Bay.”
Watermark was in attendance to mark the occasion. Learn more about the Building a Better America Tour at Build.gov and view our photos below.
Photos by Ryan Williams-Jent.
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