Port of Tampa approves $40 million in funding

Port of Tampa approves $40 million in funding Tampa Port Authority commissioners have approved $40 million to fund construction.
   The funds include $19 million for dredging, $8.3 million for the first phase of expansion of the Port of Tampa Container Terminal, and $14 million for a parking garage addition to accommodate cruise passenger growth as well as the Channelside entertainment and shopping complex.
   The container terminal expansion is a joint undertaking between terminal operator Ports America and the port authority. A contract has been awarded to engineering firm John Carlo Inc. The first phase will add about 14.5 acres of paved storage area to the current 25-acre terminal, and is expected to be completed by August 2009. Even larger contracts for additional expansion are expected to be awarded within a few months.
   The container terminal has a 43-foot channel, 2,100 feet of berth, three container gantry cranes, and a 120-ton-capacity mobile harbor crane.
   Over the next few years, plans are to expand the terminal to 140 acres and 2,700 feet of berth. A new gate, enhanced rail access, additional reefer plugs, cranes and terminal handling equipment are also planned.