Senator Moody Helps Secure $11 Million Grant for Port of Fernandina

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla.-Senator Ashley Moody helped secure $11 million in federal Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant funding for the Ocean Highway and Port Authority to support flood mitigation and dock rehabilitation projects at the Port of Fernandina. Senator Moody previously called on the U.S. Department of Transportation for the funding. The investment will help address chronic flooding and structural deterioration threatening the port's operational capacity, cargo-handling capabilities and worker safety.

"Florida's ports are critical to our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and helping businesses move goods across the country and around the world. The Port of Fernandina is an important economic engine for Northeast Florida, and this $11 million investment will help protect its infrastructure, strengthen supply chain reliability and ensure the port can continue serving our region for years to come," said Senator Ashley Moody.

"The Port of Fernandina is a small but mighty, strategically vital, and irreplaceable asset within Northeast Florida's economic and transportation network," said Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04). "This federal investment will enable the Port to enhance and repair its dock infrastructure and address drainage and recurring flood vulnerabilities, improving operational reliability, worker safety, and the long-term viability of a port that our region's businesses and supply chains depend on every day."

BACKGROUND:

• In a June letter to Maritime Administration Administrator Captain Stephen Carmel, Senator Moody urged support of the Ocean Highway and Port Authority's request for $11 million in FY 2026 Port Infrastructure Development Program funding.
• The funding will support flood mitigation and dock rehabilitation projects at the Port of Fernandina, including drainage system upgrades, water capture infrastructure, pumps for surge and rainfall events, crane rail repair, deck patching, beam reinforcement, pile repairs, cathodic protection and other structural rehabilitation.
• The Port of Fernandina is a deepwater coastal seaport on the Amelia River in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
• According to the Ocean Highway and Port Authority, the port supports more than 4,600 jobs and generates nearly $1.3 billion in annual economic contributions to the region.
• Chronic flooding and structural deterioration have threatened the port's dependability, cargo-handling capabilities and worker safety. The proposed improvements will help preserve the port's long-term operational capacity and strengthen supply chain reliability.
• Senator Moody's letter of support is available here.

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