Rick Scott pushes for more federal funding for Florida seaports during visit to Port Canaveral

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott says he will be fighting to get more federal money for Florida's seaports.

Scott — who was Florida's governor for eight years before becoming a U.S. senator this year — said that will be among his major priorities related to the federal budget and appropriations process at a news conference at Port Canaveral's Cruise Terminal 5 on Tuesday. 

"Unfortunately, the federal government wasn't a great partner in my eight years as governor," Scott said.

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Scott contends that Florida should have been in line for more than $140 million in federal reimbursements for the more than $1.4 billion the state spent to modernize Florida's seaports and trade infrastructure during that time frame.

"They just didn't come up with the money," Scott said. "Now, it is my job as a U.S. senator … to try to get that money back and make sure we're talking to all of our ports. Step one is we need to get our $140 million back to the state, and let the state invest more dollars in our ports."

Scott said he is in the process of visiting Florida's 15 seaports to help determine how the federal government can be "a better partner" in the future.

Additionally, Scott said he wants to be sure U.S. Customs and Border Protection is appropriately funded to meet the needs of seaports and airports.

"They're working hard to keep us all safe," Scott said. "As our ports are growing, they have to have more resources."

Scott said he also will work to help solve regulatory issues seaports might have.

In comments during the news conference, Canaveral Port Authority Chairman Micah Loyd said: "It's exciting to have a senator in Washington that is going to fight for Central Florida, and for Florida and for business."

Scott said his membership on the Senate Budget Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, as well as his good relationship with President Donald Trump, will help in his efforts to aggressively look out for the needs of Florida

"You've just got to be very focused on getting things done," Scott said.

In additional comments related to what Scott is calling his "fighting for Florida budget agenda," Scott said: "By making wise investments in Florida seaports and infrastructure, Florida’s international trade and seaports are seeing incredible success and growth, and thousands of jobs have been created. These investments will continue Florida’s success as a national and global leader for shipping and logistics."

Scott said Florida has an "unbelievable opportunity to continue to grow" its port cargo business.

"Investing in Florida’s infrastructure and seaports is about creating long-lasting, quality careers for Florida families and expanding Florida’s capability as a hub of commerce and international trade," Scott said. "Capitalizing on Florida’s proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean is critical to maintaining the state’s role in the nation’s waterborne exports and imports."

Scott said, among his other federal budget priorities will be "lowering the cost of prescription drugs, promoting freedom and democracy in Latin America, strengthening our economy and reforming Washington to make it actually work for families." He said he also will seek more federal money to protect Florida's waterways and to support  members of the military and their families.

Dave Berman is government editor at FLORIDA TODAY.

Contact Berman at 321-242-3649

or dberman@floridatoday.com.

Twitter: @bydaveberman

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