Management and development of the site is conducted through Putnam County Port Authority.

[2] Major port facilities are located 60 miles downriver in Jacksonville.

Palatka was seemingly poised to experience maritime growth due to its location on the St. Johns River and the newly constructed canal system.

The threat of saltwater contamination in the fragile freshwater ecosystems of inland Florida subsequently brought the canal project to an end.[when?]

Barge Port has managed to thrive in the absences of a Gulf of Mexico route.