JAXPORT important to Nassau County's economic success - An opinion

Laura DiBella

email: Laura@NassauFlorida.com

May 16, 2017 7:12 a.m.

JAXPORT and its business are absolutely critical to the economic success of Nassau County. With this in mind, it is time for the city of Jacksonville to focus its attention on the issue of deepening the port - an enhancement that is vital to securing economic growth for Nassau County and Northeast Florida.

Ocean carriers are now deploying ships through the Panama Canal that can carry more than twice as much as before. Ports on the east coast have begun accommodating for these post-Panamax ships. To remain competitive, JAXPORT will need to deepen their port or risk losing business opportunities to ports located in Georgia and South Carolina.

Nassau County relies greatly on the heavy industrial sector for business and many of these businesses will be relying on post-Panamax ships and deep-water ports for international distribution. As a county whose economy is rail-driven and home to two major railroad carriers, we service the heavy industrial sector businesses by providing domestic distribution.

The Nassau County Economic Development Board seeks to create a thriving and sustainable community. In doing so, we strive to create, grow and attract business investments to Nassau County. If JAXPORT cannot provide a deeper port for the businesses we service, much is at stake for our economy.

Deepening JAXPORT will greatly benefit our economy and the region’s economy at-large, by positioning Northeast Florida as an international gateway for the Southeast. Failing to do so will result in a missed opportunity for many across the board. For this reason, we support the port and urge decision makers in Northeast Florida to do so as well.