U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., the top Republican on the U.S. House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, announced on Monday that Miami-Dade County was getting $100 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Diaz-Balart said the county would get $99.9 million from the federal government to help on the South Corridor Rapid Transit Project which is part of the SMART Plan. The money will come through a Federal Trade Administration (FTA) Capital Investment Grant (CIG) Program.
“The SMART plan is a 20-mile bus rapid transit line to be constructed along the existing South Dade busway from the Dadeland South Metrorail Station to SW 344th Street in Florida City. This project will not only improve safety and efficiency and alleviate traffic, but it will also generate approximately 3,900 jobs,” Diaz-Balart’s office noted.
“I am thrilled that Miami-Dade County will be receiving $99.9 million in federal funds for the development of the South Corridor Rapid Transit Project. I have repeatedly stated that I am eager and in a position to secure federal dollars to address local infrastructure challenges. With this allocation, Miami-Dade County will now be able to move forward with the SMART Plan,” the congressman said.
Diaz-Balart offered a tip of the cap to U.S. Transportation Sec. Elaine Chao and Miami Dade Mayor Carols Gimenez who is challenging U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, D-Fla.
“Secretary Chao has continuously invested in our community’s transportation sector and delivered much-needed federal dollars to advance and upgrade our infrastructure, and I’m grateful for all she and the Trump administration have done for our community and Florida. I also thank Mayor Gimenez for his leadership and initiative on this important project. Without him, none of this would be possible,” Diaz-Balart said.
Diaz-Balart was first elected to Congress in a special election held in 2001. He has no opposition in November and will be headed back to Congress next year.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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