Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #1202FY0001 Miami River Dredging Project
Requester:		Diana Ragbeer			Organization:		Miami-Dade County
Project Title:		Miami River Dredging Project			Date Submitted:		2/9/01 3:58:54 PM
Sponsors:		Gustavo Barreiro
Statewide Interest:		Proper dredging of the river will enhance its environmental quality, which will improve Biscayne Bay
Recipient:		Miami-Dade County			Contact:		Diana Ragbeer
		111 N.W. 1st Street			Contact Phone:		(305) 375-1257
		Miami 33128
Counties:		Dade
Service Area:		Government Entity
Project Description:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has recommended maintenance dredging of the Miami River, a federal channel, for navigation purposes. Because the Miami River sediments are contaminated by past pollution and do not meet federal criteria for ocean disposal, they must be disposed of at an upland site, such as a lined landfill. The conceptual plan developed by the Corps proposes to dredge the River in eight phases, dry the excavated sediment at a bermed and lined site near the River, and haul the dried material to a landfill for permanent disposal. Environmentally sound dredging and disposal of the contaminated sediments is expected to enhance the environmental quality of the River and downstream portions of Biscayne Bay and improve navigation. Marine industry trade organizations have estimated that shipping operations alone on the River contribute $4 billion annually to the economy and create hundreds of jobs. Clean up of the Miami River is also expected to encourage investment and redevelopment of the urban areas adjoining the River, an objective consistent with regional sustainable development strategies, such as "Eastward Ho", brownfields initiatives, and empowerment zones.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
It is anticipated that upon completion of the dredging project, the navigation channel will be restored to authorized depth and width, allowing enhanced use by freighters. Also, contaminated sediments will no longer be conveyed to sensitive habitats of Biscayne Bay, therefore reducing potential for further accumulation of pollutants in Bay sediments. Water quality, particularly water clarity, is expected to improve, since sediment resuspension will be reduced following completion of the project.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:						$2,225,000
Identify item(s) in the Appropriations Bill to be reduced:
Specific Appropriation #:			1591G
Specific Appropriation Title:			Grants and Aids to Local Governments and Nonprofit Organizations
Amount to be reduced:			$2,225,000
Fund Source:			General Revenue
Total cost of the project:			$81,000,000
Request has been made to fund:				Construction
Type of funding match:		Federal
	Total Cash Amount:		$10,000,000
Was this project previously funded by the State?							Yes
	Fiscal Year:		2001		Amount:		$3,000,000
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?							Yes
	Amount:		$4,750,000
	Purpose for future year funding:					Recurring Operations
	Will this be an annual request?						Yes
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?							Unknown
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?							Unknown
Is there a documented need for this project?							Yes
	Documentation:		Studies by federal, state and local agencies have demonstrated the need and benefits of the dredging
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?							Yes
	Hearing Body:		Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation
	Meeting Date:		1/17/01