Putnam County showcases port handling of 30,000‑lb bridge girders and awaits bulkhead grant decision
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Summary
Port staff and partners showed video of two 30,000‑pound bridge girders shipped through the Port of Putnam for the Shands Bridge project and said port operations demonstrate capacity pending a Port Infrastructure Development Grant outcome.
Putnam County port staff on Jan. 13 showed commissioners footage of two 30,000‑pound bridge girders transiting the Port of Putnam en route to the Shands Bridge project in Green Cove Springs, and described the multiagency logistics that allowed the movement.
Presenters credited partners — Veritas Steel (fabricator), Superior Construction (FDOT contractor), Marlborough Marine (navigation), Burns & McDonald (engineering) — and said the demonstration underlined the port’s potential to handle large, heavy components once the port’s bulkhead and desired dredging are funded. Staff said the county has applied for a Port Infrastructure Development Program grant (noted in remarks as a competitive federal grant with local match) and that the award timing will determine when bulkhead work can start.
Commissioners praised the economic implications, citing local manufacturers and potential job creation; one commissioner noted a gypsum company has invested $250 million nearby, and another thanked federal representatives for securing a seat on the Florida Ports Council that helped advance the project.
Next steps: staff will continue grant monitoring, coordinate with FDOT and project partners, and report updates on grant award status and timeline to the board.
