Port Manatee approves master plan

Port Manatee approves master plan Manatee County Port Authority on Thursday approved a $750 million master plan that it said directs continued expansion efforts at Port Manatee for five decades.
   The port said it hopes to take advantage of opportunities associated with the expansion of the Panama Canal with a focus on attracting containerized shipping and related industries, which could benefit from use of the proposed Port Manatee Connector Road to Interstate 75 and the Port Manatee Encouragement Zone, an area that allows for simplified and expedited development of commercial buildings.
   “The core strategy of the master plan is to maximize the port’s regional economic impact by attracting compatible industries to Port Manatee along with high-paying jobs,” said Port Manatee Executive Director David L. McDonald.
   The plan includes berth and container terminal expansions, comprehensive environmental mitigation strategies and road and railroad enhancements.
   The authority’s approval of the plan does not authorize any capital expenditures. The merits of each component of the plan will be reviewed and approved individually by the authority.
   Details of the master plan will be posted on the 'business' section of the port’s web site Friday.