U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos (FL-8) announced today that the Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) has received a $20.21 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to upgrade North Cargo Berths 1 and 2 at Port Canaveral. The funding is part of the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) and will support a $37.43 million project to modernize infrastructure critical for transporting refined petroleum products to Central Florida. The press conference was held at Seaport Canaveral, where Haridopolos joined Florida Senators Debbie Mayfield and Tom Wright to celebrate the award.
The grant will fund renovations to the two berths, which handle tanker vessels essential to the region’s transportation network. Port Canaveral officials said the upgrades will increase cargo capacity, improve safety, and reduce delays for vessels carrying fuel that powers local industries and communities. The project is expected to create jobs and strengthen the port’s role as a logistics hub for the Space Coast.
Haridopolos called the funding a win for Brevard County’s economy. "This investment ensures Port Canaveral remains a vital link for commerce and national security," he said. The port authority has not yet released a timeline for construction, but officials emphasized the project’s urgency due to rising demand for refined petroleum products.
The PIDP grant is the latest in a series of federal investments in Port Canaveral, which handles over 16 million tons of cargo annually. CPA Executive Director John Murray noted the upgrades will align the port’s infrastructure with modern safety standards and environmental regulations. The project is expected to be completed within three years, with funding covering 54% of the total costs.
The expansion comes as Port Canaveral competes with other East Coast ports for cargo traffic. Local business leaders praised the grant as a step toward maintaining the port’s competitiveness. "This funding addresses long-standing needs and positions the port for future growth," said Karen Smith, president of the Space Coast Chamber of Commerce.