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Port Everglades Is Expanding

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami/AP) — There's positive economic news for Port Everglades. The Port is expanding as part of a project to help ports around the country accommodate vessels after the Panama Canal is widened in 2015.

U.S. Congresswomen Lois Frankel and Frederica Wilson were among the officials expected to make Friday's announcement. According to their statement, it's part of a bipartisan bill that would force the project after nearly two decades of delays in getting clearance from the Army Corps of Engineers. They say the expansion will have a $500 million economic impact.

Earlier this month, Gov. Rick Scott said he will push for nearly $35 million to make improvements to Port Everglades and two other ports in budget proposals next year.

State transportation officials contend that the increased spending will help the state prepare for the Panama Canal expansion.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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