Planning board clears port authority’s rail transloading and truck‑scale upgrades at Commerce Boulevard

The Panama City Planning Board unanimously approved a major development request to implement operational improvements at the Panama City Port Authority’s multimodal distribution center campus on Commerce Boulevard.

The board voted 5-0 to approve the application, which the staff described as a major development because the parcel is zoned heavy industrial and the project is part of the port’s master‑plan campus.

Alex King of the Panama City Port Authority told the board the work is part of a phase‑two initiative to enhance the existing bulk transfer facility. The requested improvements include operational liquid transloading infrastructure, a rail line, utility connections, a truck wash pad and wash-water disposal, a truck scale and weigh station, a concrete pad for a modular building, and stormwater mitigation. The parcel address was reported as 8110 Commerce Boulevard and is approximately 360 acres.

King said the improvements are supported by a matching grant to help the port develop capabilities for food‑grade liquid transloads and other cargo, which the port hopes will increase export activity and local jobs. He said the port will not necessarily add rail capacity but will add truck‑scale capabilities to track cargo, and that the project aims to enable more cargo to be handled in Panama City rather than being moved out of state.

After staff presentation and a brief public update from port representatives, the board approved the project on a roll call: Board member Carol — yes; Board member Stamps — yes; Board member Barker — yes; Board member Rich — yes; Chairman Neubauer — yes. No members recorded dissent.

The approval allows the port to proceed with required permitting and engineering reviews tied to the development order and matching grant conditions.