Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) has announced the securement of more than $23 million for critical projects in Miami. The projects were part of the Republican-led Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which President Joe Biden (D) signed into law on March 9, 2024.
Miami is facing numerous concerns, including sea level rise, housing affordability, and rising cost-of-living. The securement of funding will be used for 14 distinct projects that are designed to improve Miami's coastal infrastructure and environment, water supply, workforce development efforts, and housing senior citizens.
In a statement, Rep. Salazar praised the securement, saying that "this funding addresses direct needs in our district and will help keep Miami competitive and resilient for years to come."
Community leaders have also praised the securement, highlighting that the funding will contribute to great improvement in Miami.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava commented on the funding, expressing that "PortMiami is an industry leader, which is future ready and committed to innovative, efficient, and sustainable growth. The seaport's Decarbonization and Electrification Master Plan is at the forefront of its environmentally conscious development. We're thankful to Congresswoman Salazar for helping us secure this vital funding."
The community funding projects included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 include:
- $3.5 million to the City of Miami for the Flagler Affordable Senior Housing project that will develop a newly constructed affordable housing building for the elderly.
- $3.3 million to the University of Miami for the Expansion of the Reef Restoration Infrastructure Project to boost coral reef restoration efforts along the east coast of Florida.
- $3 million to the Miami-Dade County Seaport to install shore power for the purpose of increasing efficiency and reducing diesel emissions.
- $3 million to the Miami-Dade College Historic Dyer Federal Courthouse renovation to turn it into a workforce development, innovation, and culture center.
- $2.5 million to the City of Coral Gables for a Mobility Hub to create a one-stop-shop for additional local transportation options.
- $1.75 million for the City of South Miami to convert homes from septic to sewer service and improve water quality.
- $1 million to the Village of Pinecrest for a storm drainage system to address extreme flooding.
- $1 million for the Town of Cutler Bay for a stormwater pump station, catch basin reconstruction, and drain installation to address extreme flooding.
- $1 million to Miami-Dade County for contracting pollution control stormwater infrastructure for the purpose of improving water quality.
- $1 million to the City of Miami for drainage improvements, wider roadways, and new and safer sidewalks and crosswalks.
- $750,000 to the City of West Miami for a Potable Water System Replacement Project to replace its outdated water system.
- $600,000 to the University of Miami Aircraft Center for Earth Studies Expansion project to help with rapid assessment of hurricane impacts and coral reef restoration.
- $450,000 to the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida for the Camp Mahachee Hardwood Hammock restoration to restore a historic Girl Scout camp.
- $200,000 to the Village of Palmetto Bay for the Palmetto Bay Veterans Park to honor those who have served our country.
