Bill Posey News

Port Canaveral will add a new security patrol vessel and a pilot boat after receiving federal grant funding for several projects to protect against terrorism and other security threats.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $472,500 in Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) funding to allow the Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) to purchase a new Security Rapid Response Boat. The vessel will be a 33-ft. “Life Proof” boat operated…

Dispute remains over who pays for maintenance costs for federal channel. The $35 million harbor widening and deepening project at Port Canaveral to allow larger ships greater safety margins for sailing in and out of the port is scheduled to begin next month with completion in November 2014. The project to widen Port Canaveral’s 400-feet wide harbor by 100 feet and deepen the entrance by two feet to 46 feet cleared the final two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting hurdles last week.

During a three-hour briefing and tour of Port Canaveral, U.S. Congressman Bill Posey threw his support behind efforts to obtain the $34 million needed for widening and deepening the harbor to accommodate larger cruise and cargo ships. The House District 15 Representative described Port Canaveral as one of Central Florida’s best economic engines. The project calls for widening the channel by 100 feet and deepening by 2 feet each in various segments. The Port Authority already has spent $19 million to enlarge the West Turning Basin.