Port Panama City bounces back after suffering $15 million in damages

Port Panama City was damaged to the tune of $15 million during Hurricane Michael.

Despite that, the port bounced back in record time to continue its role in the community. Both the main port and the East Terminal suffered major damage to facilities, but within a week of the storm the port was accepting ships and handling cargo within ten days.

Now, the port expansion project is moving forward and expected to be finished by the end of the year.

"After the hurricane, we were able to successfully lobby for the federal funds for our channel deepening. Then last week we were able to let the contract, after a very successful design and bid phase, let the contract for the $11 million new bulkhead over there," explained Wayne Stubbs, the port authority's executive director.

Port tenants like Oceaneering and Berg Pipe also brought in extra help to get their facilities back to normal.