New port terminal could create 200 jobs

Keystone Terminals opens its doors after spending $100 million dollars on construction costs alone for a new port terminal along the St. Johns River.

The private port is expected to bring up to 200 new jobs and 100 temporary jobs when boats are docked.  Another $50 million has been planned for capital investment for future projects there.

The jobs, new business and capital investment from this project attracted Governor Rick Scott to Jacksonville.  He was at the grand opening with Mayor Alvin Brown and other elected officials.  The governor says these are the kinds of projects the state needs and that will help him achieve his 7-7-7 plan.  "This is a great day for Jacksonville, we love when private enterprise comes in and invests $150 million dollars," says Governor Scott.

It'll take private investments working with local government.  Mayor Brown says this yet another example of the public private partnerships he's been talking about for the past several months. 

Jerry Mallot, Executive Vice President of the Regional Chamber of Commerce says this will benefit the Jacksonville community greatly.  The company has built new docks, dredged the river, built new building and put in a rail line.

The first tenants of the private port has been announced, the Vulcan Materials Company will be housed at the Keystone Terminal.  They'll take up 10 acres on the 100 acre lot.

Vulcan Materials does importing from Mexico, meanwhile Keystone exports wood chips, coal and other supplies internationally to Asia and Europe.  Mallot says this will help Jacksonville position itself in the international community.

The governor also talked with the new mayor yesterday after an event at N-A-S Jacksonville.  The two talked about job creation and the importance of investing in JAXport.

Scott says once Jacksonville and JAXport gets everything lined up in regards to permits, then they can start talking about funding.