'We know that reaching a balance between financial stability, capital development and security operations is achievable. It is our hope that the updated Port Everglades Master Plan will plot a course for how we can expand and enhance existing facilities in the most economical and efficient manner,' says Port Everglades Director Phillip C. Allen.
In preparing the Master Plan, the firm will assess the changes that have taken place regionally, nationally, internationally and at the Port since 2001, when Port Everglades' presented its original 2020 Vision Master Plan. The new firm will incorporate the changing business trends and adjustments that have resulted in the post-9/11 environment. In addition, the consultant will identify opportunities and constraints that could impact the 10- and 20-year Vision Plans.
The plan also will include recommendations stemming from a current study of the Port's petroleum facilities by international energy consultant Purvin & Gertz, Inc., which identified ways to improve the efficiency of this business sector's facilities.
Protecting the environment through structural considerations and operational practices is another initiative that the Port Department is pursuing as the Master Plan is developed.
'We are also making environmental protection, maintenance and enhancement an important component of Port Everglades' future development,' Allen said, adding that Port Department recently hosted a workshop to ask the local community and environmental experts for their input about how they believe the Port can progress while remaining a good environmental steward.
The new Master Plan is expected to be complete by late Spring of 2007. The port community and general public will be invited to provide input as the plan is being developed.
As one of South Florida's leading economic engines, Port Everglades is the gateway for international trade and cruise vacations. Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports worldwide and the winter homeport for Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2. It is among the fastest growing container ports in the United States, according to the PIERS import/export database. Port Everglades is South Florida's main seaport for receiving petroleum products including, gasoline and jet fuel. The Port Everglades Department is a self-supporting Enterprise Fund of Broward County government with operating revenues of approximately $105 million annually. It does not rely on local tax dollars for operations. The Port provides more than 15,000 direct jobs and generates $2.87 billion in business activity and $879.5 million in personal income annually in Broward County.
