PortMiami will receive a $16 million rebuilding grant
From David Volz
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that PortMiami is the beneficiary of a $16 Million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant for its NetZero: Cargo Mobility Optimization and Resiliency Project. The NetZero Program is a visionary plan to convert the entire cargo movement chain to a carbon neutral operation, from PortMiami’s channel to its final distribution site.
The RAISE grant will help fund PortMiami’s intermodal rail expansion by adding two rail tracks and three new electric rubber-tired gantry cranes. Grant funding also provides for the installation of LED lights and the reconstruction of the stormwater drainage system to address sea level rise. In addition, the program will support cargo gate improvements, including roadway realignments, gate canopies, and technology upgrades. Improved access and staging for trucks and new gate technology upgrades will allow for faster movement of goods and reduced dwell time for trucks.
“We want to thank both our Congressional delegation, who worked diligently to secure this funding, as well as the Biden Administration and Secretary Buttigieg for supporting our seaport and helping to grow our green economy,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “The RAISE grant will help us attract more business to PortMiami and fuel our NetZero program, which is pushing Miami-Dade towards a cleaner, greener future.”
Miami-Dade County’s mission is to continue operating one of Florida’s most active seaports in a way that supports economic development and sustainability. Recent infrastructure and capital projects at PortMiami are aimed at building resiliency and reducing emissions while generating more cruise and cargo activity.
Miami Dade holds ground breaking for new developments at Jeb Estates Park
From David Volz
Miami-Dade County District 2 Commissioner Jean Monestime, Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department Director Maria Nardi and staff, and members of the community broke ground on new developments at Jeb Estates Park, located at 14530 NW 16th Court, Miami FL 33167. The 1.46-acre, undeveloped green space is being revitalized as a new mini park with a nature-based playground and recreation amenities.
The park will feature new recreation playground equipment such as an explorer dome, an oasis sand boat with sail, a percussion music panel, a dress-up wall with mirror, an accessible slide set into a hill with bolder “scramble” features and flat steppingstone stairs, and a quiet zone area. Other features include walkways, park benches, a bike rack, and nature trails. Site improvements include a two-rail, perimeter wood fence, a drinking water fountain, ADA-accessible parking, and an artificial stone entry.
The project is aimed at improving park accessibility, encouraging physical activity and spending time outdoors, providing an aesthetically pleasing landscape featuring native plantings, and fostering a sense of place and community. These improvements advance the goals of the Miami-Dade County Parks and Open Space Master Plan.
“I am proud of the Parks Department’s revitalization of Jeb Estates Park as a family-friendly recreation hub for this neighborhood,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Mini parks are helping to fulfill green space and recreation needs in more areas of our county. This is one of the great ways that Miami-Dade County is continuing to build a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable park system.”
“It is exciting to see improvement plans underway for Jeb Estates Park,” said Commissioner Monestime. “This is going to create another safe and beautiful outdoor space for District 2 neighbors and their children to come together for exercise or relaxation.”
“This is an exciting development,” said Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department Director Maria Nardi. “We are revitalizing public spaces such as this one to better connect people with parks and advance the community-inspired vision of the Parks and Open Space Master Plan to build a healthier Miami-Dade County and enhance quality of life for all through parks and open spaces.”
