Florida's Port Manatee looks to benefit from full federal funding of a feasibility study related to deepening of its channel and harbor area. 

Manatee Harbor, near the Gulf of Mexico entrance to Tampa Bay, is one of only 10 waterways in the continental United States identified for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funding in the 2016 civil works budget announced on Monday (Feb. 2) by President Obama.

"Port Manatee is deeply appreciative of this funding, which represents a milestone in our efforts to reach our target harbor depth of 45 feet, which will allow us to accommodate the majority of vessels transiting the expanded Panama Canal," executive director Carlos Buqueras said.

A larger traffic lane is slated for opening in early 2016.

ManateeHarbor, which currently has a depth of 40 feet, is targeted to receive US$700,000 in feasibility study funding in the federal budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, 2015, covering the complete expense of the study.

In addition, the budget includes US$300,000 for maintenance and US$100,000 for operation of ManateeHarbor.

"We are thrilled at the prospects of being able to serve larger ships for generations to come," Buqueras said.

"The fact that the ManateeHarbor study was one of just a few to be funded is indicative of the federal government’s recognition of the importance of our port and those we serve."

A Port Manatee news release said it generated more than US$2.3 billion in annual economic impact for the local community, while supporting more than 24,000 jobs, without the benefit of ad-valorem taxes.

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