“I love this business, I’m passionate about it, and I’m committed to the area.” So said Wayne Huizenga, Jr., owner of Rybovich, during a press conference Friday. He announced renewed plans to establish a megayacht repair facility in Riviera Beach, Florida.
Rybovich’s original expansion plans were rejected by voters late last year, due to controversy over using a city-owned marina. Now, however, Rybovich will build on undeveloped property it acquired about five years ago. It’s about half a mile north of the city marina.
Permits, including ones for dredging, still need approval from the Army Corps of Engineers and the state Department of Environmental Protection. If Rybovich gets the go-ahead soon, however, the new repair facility could be ready as early as 2013.
It would be a boon to both Rybovich and the region. Rybovich’s existing West Palm Beach location can handle yachts up to 250 feet, while the new yard could haul yachts to 300 feet and service ones to 400 feet dockside. As for the region, it would arguably result in yachts remaining stateside for service that they currently seek overseas. Allen West, a Congressman representing the district, says, “South Florida has to be a leader in the maritime industry. South Florida must be a leader, and as we step forward with this facility, we will become that international leader.” Furthermore, Dawn Pardo, Riviera Beach’s city council chair, says she has wanted Rybovich to add operations there for a while, approaching Huizenga three years ago.
Rybovich estimates that the project, costing $45.5 million, would create 1,000 jobs on site. In addition, the yard’s management believes it would generate $630 million for Palm Beach county, with $111 million of that going to Riviera Beach.
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