U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and Panamanian Ambassador visit Port Manatee

The Ambassador of Panama to the United States, Jaime Eduardo Alemán Healy, and Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Sarasota) met with more than 70 business leaders and area lawmakers Feb. 8th to discuss potential economic impacts for Port Manatee related to the Panama Canal’s expansion.

“This is about creating jobs,” commented Rep. Buchanan during a briefing at the port. “As a member of the Congressional Panama Caucus, I’m working to create jobs throughout Florida, and Port Manatee’s capacity for growth and its proximity to the canal give it distinct advantages as we move closer to the planned completion of the expanded canal in 2014.”

Following a port tour, Ambassador Alemán said, “Port Manatee is doing the right things to take advantage of the expansion of the canal.” He also complimented port leaders on the operations and efficiencies of the port.

Port Manatee contributes more than $2.3 billion annually in regional economic impact and creates more than 20,000 jobs. According to Rep. Buchanan, if the Manatee County Port Authority’s 2009 Master Plan is realized, those numbers could double to more than $4.6 billion dollars in regional economic impact and more than 40,000 jobs, soon after the canal’s expansion.

During the visit, Rep. Buchanan pledged to assist port officials with the proposed Port Manatee Connector Road to Interstate 75, which would enhance containerized shipping at the port.
 

Source: Transportweekly