Port Canaveral, FL - The final version of Port Canaveral's Strategic Master Plan was presented to the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners for discussion and voting at the regular meeting of the Board today.  Lead consultant for the Plan, Luis Ajamil of Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, Inc., the Miami-based consultants who prepared the Plan for the Port Authority, made the presentation to the Board.

"The Master Plan is a vision document -- a high-level blueprint that looks to the future of the Port with information that we know today," said Port CEO Capt. John Murray to the Commissioners during his presentation to the Board which followed Ajamil's.  "The Plan presents various opportunities over the 30-year planning horizon, but not every project in this Plan may become a reality."

Ajamil presented the final version of a comprised vision of the Port that looks 30 years into the future, while at the same time identifying near-term priorities the Port should consider within the next decade. The master plan, as required by Florida statute, has been in development for over two years, and addresses each of the Port’s major businesses:  cruise, cargo, parks and recreation, and commercial development, as well as the potential offered by the resurgence and growth of the space industry in the Port's region.

"This is a long term plan but an important blueprint for the Port's future.  Our principal focus is to ensure we have the facilities and capabilities to support our growth going forward," explained Capt. Murray.

"Each concept must meet the test of economic and environmental sustainability going forward. Furthermore, every project must be vetted and assessed, discussed and voted upon by the Commission in the public forum," stated Commissioner Tom Weinberg.  

Capt. Murray added, "Our responsibility is to ensure the Port’s value is sustained as both a viable commercial entity and community resource, while keeping pace with an increasingly complex global marketplace." 

Port Canaveral has been in a steady state of growth in recent years.  The Port is the world’s second busiest cruise port, and Florida’s third largest by operating revenue.

"Going forward, it's important that we continue to protect the foundations of success, while we look ahead to what the future may hold," said Capt. Murray.

Commission Chairman Wayne Justice commented, "Port Canaveral is a local, regional and national asset.  This Plan provides a blueprint for infrastructure improvements across our business lines. It allows this port to keep up with the exploding population growth in Central Florida and its associated requirements."

The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously 5 to 0 to approve the Plan.