Port Canaveral Community News September 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015: Port Authority Gets Update on Rail Project Process | Community Celebrates as Port Breaks Ground for Logistics Center | Cove Development Team Updates Port Commission | Canaveral Wins Industry Awards for Communicating with Community | Children's Activity Book Teaches Environmental Awareness | FREE Subscriptions

Port Authority Gets Update on Rail Project Progress

Rail Project Update. August 27, 2015 Port Commission Meeting

Video - Rail Project Update.
August 26, 2015 Port Commission Meeting

During the August 26, 2015 Commission meeting, the Board received a briefing on the ongoing process related to the Port Canaveral Rail Extension Proposal. Kathryn Floyd addressed the National Environmental Policy Act process and briefed commissioners on the next steps.

Summary of Facts
of Federally Mandated Rail Process

The rail cargo link will facilitate growth and job creation for Central Florida.
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is the lead federal agency with jurisdiction over the Port's rail proposal.
STB is posting all information and public input related to the environmental review online at www.portcanaveralraileis.com.
Several routes are being evaluated during the scoping process, including citizen-requested SR 528 and an alignment on the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
A decision about route alternatives to be studied will be made by the STB, not the Canaveral Port Authority nor the Brevard County Commission.
The public will have a full opportunity to comment in writing and during meetings after the Draft Environmental Impact Statement is published.
The Canaveral Port Authority will not make any decisions until completion of the National Environmental Policy Act process and related approvals. As always, we will consider all public input.

Community Celebrates as Port

Breaks Ground for Logistics Center

On July 27, local business and political leaders gathered for a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of the Port Canaveral Logistics Center at Titusville, the Port's first off-site warehouse project and an important step in building a world-class logistics hub in Central Florida. The Center is an essential part of the infrastructure needed to attract distribution customers to the area. Titusville officials are enthusiastic because their community was hit hard by downsizing at Kennedy Space Center and growth of a strong logistics/distribution industry would provide much -- needed local jobs -- an estimated 10,000-15,000 for Central Florida during the next decade. Flagler Logistics is funding and developing the Center on U.S. 1 near I-95, which the Port Authority will lease (with an option to buy) and sub-lease to its customers. This is the first Class A warehousing in Brevard County. It will feature 246,240 square feet of dividable space with 30-foot clearance, truck docks and rail-side loading doors opening onto a new spur from the nearby Florida East Coast rail line. Completion is scheduled for May 2016.

Cove Development Team

Updates Port Commission

According to the Sooner Development team's update at a July public Cove Development workshop, the new Cove expansion project is progressing well.

Site planning is in the detailed development stage. Leasing efforts are active, with good success. The leasing team is hosting site visits for potential tenants, national and local, and pursuing a mix of fine and casual dining, themed and specialty retail and recreational opportunities. Also, after a nationwide search, they are negotiating a letter of intent for the Cove hotel with a company that operates 4-star, full-service facilities.

Construction on Phase 1 retail should begin by June 2016 with shops opening one year later. Construction of the hotel and Phase 2 retail is scheduled to begin late in 2016.

Port staff and the development team also are working together, with public input, to complete architectural guidelines for this project and future tenant projects throughout the Cove Commercial District, an area roughly from the west side of Cruise Terminal 1 to the east side of Bluepoints Marina. The goal is to promote diversity and individual character while supporting pedestrian traffic, outdoor dining and a harmonious coastal-casual atmosphere throughout.

The next Cove development public meeting will be held September 18, at 9:00 a.m. in the Canaveral Port Authority Commission meeting room.

Canaveral Wins Industry Awards

for Communicating with Community

"When port authorities communicate strategically with their many audiences, including their communities, business leaders and policy makers, they're better able to show their tremendous value as drivers of economic development, environmental enhancement and job creation." - Kurt Nagle, president and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).

Port Canaveral received five awards in this year's AAPA Communications Program, including a top honor for a special public event -- the arrival of our new cargo cranes -- and its efforts to raise public awareness and draw media coverage. The Port also earned awards for two other public events - the boat launch complex dedication and the 2014 State of the Port Business Community briefing -- plus two major Port publications -- the Port Canaveral Magazine and the Canaveral 2015 Report. Among the judge's comments: "Nice job in linking the commercial mission of the port with goals that are important to the community." "Shows an active thriving port that is engaged with community, customers and public. Looks like a great port with lots of future growth and potential!"

Port Canaveral is one of 25 seaports out of 160 members that will be awarded Communications honors at a November 4 awards luncheon in conjunction with AAPA's Annual Convention, to be held in Miami this year.

Children's Activity Book

Teaches Environmental Awareness

With an evergreen commitment to environmental protection, the Canaveral Port Authority introduces a new resource dedicated to sharing information about the fascinating species and unique challenges of our water-bound ecosystem -- Marine Life, A Children's Activity Book.

The activity book was produced for elementary school students complete with engaging puzzles, games and coloring, while introducing lovable aquatic critters.
It includes: Help Sally the Sea Turtle find her way to the Gulf Stream; point the way for Dash the Dolphin to a fresh fish dinner; and help search the beaches for recyclables and trash.

The online environmentally friendly version of the free book is accessible through the publications portal at portcanaveral.com/activitybook. Students will be able to interact using their computer's Windows Paint® program. A limited number of a 16-page printed version also will be available.

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