Port of Fernandina awarded $11 million for flood protection, dock repairs

The Port of Fernandina will receive $11 million in federal funding to address recurring flooding and repair aging dock infrastructure, according to an announcement Tuesday from U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody’s office.The grant, awarded to the Ocean Highway and Port Authority through the federal Port Infrastructure Development Program, will support improvements intended to protect cargo operations, strengthen worker safety and preserve the port’s long-term reliability.Drainage upgrades and structural repairs plannedThe project includes drainage system upgrades, water-capture infrastructure and pumps to handle storm surge and heavy rainfall.Dock work will include crane rail repairs, deck patching, beam reinforcement, pile repairs and cathodic protection, along with other structural rehabilitation.According to Moody’s office, chronic flooding and deteriorating infrastructure have threatened the port’s ability to handle cargo safely and reliably.Click here to download our free news, weather and sm