At a special meeting of the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) Board of Directors last week, members unanimously approved a contract with a consulting team led by Martin and Associates, a leader in maritime industry analysis, to develop a Strategic Port Master Plan for the public seaport’s assets.
The vote occurred following more than two hours of in-depth discussion between board members and JAXPORT’s senior leadership regarding the scope of the contract, the process and the outcomes expected.
The plan, mandated by Florida law and funded through a $600,000 Florida Department of Transportation grant, will be created with direction and guidance from the JAXPORT Board, CEO Paul Anderson and senior management with input from business and community stakeholders.
The Strategic Port Master Plan will outline options for maximizing the use of JAXPORT terminals and properties in the next five, 10 and 20 years, through a detailed examination of cargo segments; industry trends; facility assessment and the costs and benefits of potential infrastructure improvements as well as make recommendations on funding options.
“I am pleased we are moving this process forward. The completed document will serve as a guide for laying out our direction for years to come, ” said JAXPORT Board Chairman James Citrano during the meeting. “ This is the best way for us to maximize the use of these valuable public assets and get the maximum return for the citizens of the region.”
“ This is an important crossroads for the port and for the community and the region, ” said CEO Paul Anderson . “ World class ports have world class plans. This will benefit future generations and I am gratified that it will be a full organizational effort and include the voices of our community.”
The timeline calls for the process to begin immediately and the Strategic Port Master Plan to be delivered in 2013.
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Press Release, October 15, 2012