Home » Home » U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos Secures $20 Million Federal Grant for Canaveral Port Authority Cargo Expansion

U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos Secures $20 Million Federal Grant for Canaveral Port Authority Cargo Expansion

By  //  May 18, 2026

Funding supports $37M Port project to renovate North Cargo Berths 1 and 2

Rep. Mike Haridopolos, along with Florida Senators Debbie Mayfield and Tom Wright, celebrate Port Canaveral’s $20 million federal Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant award during a press conference at Seaport Canaveral. (Image by Canaveral Port Authority)

BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos (FL-8) held a press conference today at Port Canaveral to herald the U.S. Department of Transportation’s awarding of a $20.21 million Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant to the Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) to expand capacity at two of the Port’s busiest cargo berths.

The PIDP grant will support a $37.43 million Port project to upgrade North Cargo Berths 1 and 2, which serve tanker vessels carrying refined petroleum products critical to supplying Central Florida region’s transportation system.

“Port Canaveral is a cornerstone of our local economy and a critical gateway for commerce, national security, and job creation here on Florida’s Space Coast,” said Congressman Mike Haridopolos.

“This $20 million investment will strengthen infrastructure that fuels our airports, supports our businesses, powers our communities, and keeps commerce moving across Florida every single day. When Hurricane Milton tested our state’s resilience, Port Canaveral stepped up and delivered. This project ensures the Port can continue meeting the demands of our growing state for decades to come while reinforcing Florida’s leadership in trade, tourism, and transportation.”

“Port Canaveral truly appreciates the support of Representative Haridopolos who was instrumental in securing this essential funding,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “This investment further strengthens our role as an economic engine for Central Florida and provides consumers and businesses with efficient, cost-effective and reliable access to critical fuel products.”

“Port Canaveral truly appreciates the support of Representative Haridopolos who was instrumental in securing this essential funding,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “This investment further strengthens our role as an economic engine for Central Florida and provides consumers and businesses with efficient, cost-effective and reliable access to critical fuel products.” (Image by Canaveral Port Authority)

CPA Commissioners Micah Loyd and Kevin Markey and Port Canaveral CEO John Murray led a dockside tour of the planned berth renovation project for the Congressman and representatives from fuel terminal operator Seaport Canaveral Corporation, Sunoco LP and Menzies Aviation, a contract aviation services company providing jet fuel for airlines operating at Orlando International Airport.

The project will modernize the aging bulkheads to extend their useful life by 20 to 30 years and expand the Port’s capacity to handle bulk cargo, particularly transportation fuels, which account for more than 50 percent of the Port’s annual total cargo tonnage.

David Smith, General Manager of VTTI Seaport Canaveral, said, “VTTI welcomes this important investment in Port Canaveral’s infrastructure, which strengthens the long-term reliability and resiliency of critical energy logistics.

The refurbishment of the cargo berths we utilize helps ensure safe, efficient operations for decades to come, supporting supply of energy products to Central Florida and the broader region.”

Currently in the design and engineering stage, construction is estimated to begin in early 2027 with substantial completion approximately 16 months later. Once completed, the improvements will strengthen the Port’s role as a leading port of entry for bulk cargo, particularly fuel supplies serving markets across Florida and into the southeastern United States.

Fifty-four percent of the total project cost will be funded by the PIDP grant, with the Canaveral Port Authority and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) confirming committed and planned amounts of $4.36 million, or 12 percent, and $12.86 million, or 34 percent in local match of the total cost, respectively.

he $20M PIDP grant supports a $37M Port project to renovate North Cargo Berths 1 and 2, strengthening the Port’s role as leading port of entry for transportation fuels. ( Image by Canaveral Port Authority)

The renovations to North Cargo Berths 1 and 2 are part of the Port’s nearly $1 billion in capital improvements across all aspects of its operations over the next five years.

Projects are wide-ranging and include harbor and berth box deepening to accommodate larger vessels, landside infrastructure improvements, renovation of seawalls and berthing facilities, expansions to cruise and cargo terminals, and roadway upgrades.