Six projects awarded £6.7m
The schemes are among the latest to benefit from GBP25m of government funding that has been awarded to each of England's eight freeports. The aim is to tackle infrastructure gaps in freeport locations and create the right physical conditions to encourage private sector investment. One of the projects supported by Solent Freeport will improve part of Southampton's Western Docks by delivering an increase in the number of containers transported by rail.
It will also create extra HGV lane capacity and provide the necessary infrastructure for electric lorries. 
Solent Freeport is also supporting the development of a business case for major improvements to the A326 at Totton and Dibden. READ MORE: Solent Freeport scheme approved with pledge of jobs and investment[1] Some of the GBP6.7m will be used to fund an upgrade of Marchwood Port, run by Associated British Ports.
The other two beneficiaries are Portsmouth International Port and Dunsbury Park, an industrial and manufacturing facility at Havant. 
"Enhancing strategic infrastructure within the Solent Freeport area will enable key partner organisations to further optimise their operations and help boost our ongoing plans to deliver long-term economic prosperity. "This funding announcement is another illustration of our ambitious plans to attract millions of pounds of inward investment and create thousands of jobs for the population of the wider Solent region. "We take our role in approving this significant funding very seriously as it is public money we are distributing.
Business cases for the six latest projects have been thoroughly scrutinised and investigated to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria." READ MORE: Solent Freeport to bring jobs and up to GBP1.75bn, says minister[2] England's freeports have been created by the government boost investment in parts of the country that have historically missed out.
Solent Freeport aims to help the region to capitalise on its strengths in a highly-competitive global market by maximising its geographical advantages.
A spokesperson said the Solent's proximity to European shipping lanes and its its unique tides meant it was in the strongest possible position to expand the UK's trade with new markets.
They added that its road, rail, and air links gave it a geographical advantage that was greater than any of the other UK regions seeking to trade.
References
- ^ Solent Freeport scheme approved with pledge of jobs and investment (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ Solent Freeport to bring jobs and up to GBP1.75bn, says minister (www.dailyecho.co.uk)