From left are: Port Canaveral Commissioners Frank Sullivan; Vice Chairman Tom Weinberg; Congressman John Mica, Chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Commissioner Joe Matheny; and Port CEO Stan Payne.

PORT CANAVERAL, FL (February 13, 2012) - After a briefing and tour of Port Canaveral facilities, Congressman John Mica, Chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee , vowed support for Port Canaveral and seaports funding in the $260 billion federal transportation spending bill under consideration this week. Mica pledged to help with Port Canaveral's efforts to widen and deepen the channel in order to accommodate larger cruise and cargo ships; assist with federal funding for a new cargo pier and backup area; and assist with plans for better rail links, adding more customs staff to accommodate increasing number of cruise ships, and clearing the way for short-sea shipping routes from the Northeast to Port Canaveral. He emphasized the importance of seaports to the economy.