New bid for government funding could bring major economic boost to Dorset (and improve transport links)
South Dorset could be in with a major economic boost if a new bid for government funding to boost transport links is accepted. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced £30 million to upgrade ports in preparation for Brexit – and Portland Port will be bidding for a slice of cash.
Investigations are also being made into whether some of the cash could be secured to help improve local rail links and be put towards the case for the Western Relief Road, said South Dorset MP Richard Drax.
The government says the new funding will be spent on upgrades to port infrastructure, road and rail links and building 'resilience within local government to ensure trade continues to flow smoothly at our ports after Brexit'.
Ports can bid for a share of £10m for upgrades to enhance capacity, while a further £5m will be provided to Local Resilience Forums for infrastructure improvements and £15m will go towards longer-term road and rail link projects to ensure more freight can get where it needs to be faster.
Bill Reeves, CEO of Portland Port, said: “Richard Drax contacted Portland Port as soon as the announcement was made about the new funding in order to offer his help.
"There is a project that we believe that meets the criteria and the port will be making an application before the deadline at the end of this week. This project is focused on increasing the port’s berth capacity and capability. By improving the berths we will be able to support increasing commercial and cruise traffic and these activities bring more money and employment to the area.”
As well as its role receiving numerous cargo ships, the port is establishing itself as a major player in the cruise ship market.
This year it is welcoming 44 cruise ships from around the world.
Richard Drax said: "The port is key employer in the area and is expanding which is extremely good news and clearly if government help is available we shall do all we can to get it.
“I am working with Portland Port to see if we can acquire some money to help them to continue to expand and employ more and more people."
Mr Drax said the money could also be used to improve better rail connections from Weymouth and go towards the Western Relief Road (Jurassic Coast Highway). The relief road, connecting Chickerell and Ferrybridge and bypassing the congested A354 corridor, is not contained in any future council plans and has no funding but it has a lot of support locally from residents, businesses and key industry players.
Ian Girling, Chief Executive of Dorset Chamber has welcomed the news.
He said: “Dorset’s ports play a crucial part in the county’s economy.
“The chamber would be very supportive of any applications by our ports, including those at Portland and Poole, for Government funding to help prepare for Brexit.
“A co-ordinated approach may well be needed to ensure the county receives its fair share of this money, which will no doubt be in much demand.
“As well as enhancing port capacity, this funding could bring much needed improvements to our infrastructure and transport links."
Mr Girling added: “It is important that we secure the best outcome for Dorset however Brexit unfolds."
Source: Dorset Echo