Plan for Putnam port moves ahead in Florida Senate

Plan for Putnam port moves ahead in Florida Senate (Courtesy of the News Service of Florida) — Existing dock space along the St. Johns River could become part of the state’s ports under a measure moving forward in the Capitol.

The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on Monday unanimously supported the proposal (SB 1038), which would give Putnam County until July 1, 2024, to apply for a grant through the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council to pay for a feasibility study about establishing a port in Palatka.

The proposal by Sen. Keith Perry, a Gainesville Republican who represents Putnam County, would also give the county a seat on the council, which is made up of port representatives from across the state. The future of Putnam County’s membership on the council would be contingent on the results of the study.

The county has been working to expand a barge port and accompanying industrial area along the river, with the facilities about 60 miles from the port in Jacksonville. Part of the work includes dredging the channel to about 12 feet, from the current 7 feet, which a Senate staff analysis said limits access to “very shallow-draft barges and recreational vessels and doesn’t do much for business.”

Perry’s proposal has cleared two committees and must pass the Rules Committee before reaching the Senate floor. A similar measure (HB 907) has been filed in the House by Rep. Bobby Payne, R-Palatka.

Photo courtesy of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce