A Press Release from the Port Authority at Port Canaveral:

Canaveral Awards $5 Million Berth Upgrades for New Disney Ships

New Parking Garage Also Gets Green Light to Proceed

PORT CANAVERAL, FL— November 21, 2008 – With the first of two new Disney ships to arrive at its Canaveral homeport in 2011, the Port Authority Board this month awarded a $4.7 million contract to Misener Marine Construction, Inc., of Tampa, Florida, for work needed to accommodate the larger, 4,000-plus passenger vessels at the world’s second busiest cruise port.

Construction to improve the marine side at the Disney Terminal (Cruise Terminal 8) includes building a new deep water seawall, additional mooring, dolphins, and dredging. The total project cost, including engineering testing, is $5.1 million

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"The contract creates jobs now at a challenging time for the construction industry in Central Florida," says Stan Payne, CEO of Port Canaveral. "And with the increase in the size and number of ships, it means additional jobs later for businesses such as hotels, restaurants, gas stations, florists, retail stores, ground transportation companies and others that benefit from the cruise industry."

During its November Board meeting, Port Commissioners also approved advertising for proposals for the design and construction of a new 1,000 space parking garage for Disney Cruise Line passengers. Construction is expected to begin in May 2009 with a completion date of April 2010.

In addition to the berth improvements and new parking garage, Charles M. Rowland Drive will be re-aligned as part of preparation for the arrival of the two new Disney ships.

The second ship arrives in 2012.

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