County Secures $16.7M for Roadway Enhancements and Safety Upgrades
Debarylife – Federal earmarks totaling $16.7 million have been awarded to the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) for projects that support critical roadway improvements and Vision Zero safety initiatives.
Additionally, a master station planning study has been approved to help displaced communities reestablish connections with centers of employment, healthcare, education, and entertainment.
Securing these earmarks as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding proposal process signifies a major advancement in the County’s goal of improving transportation infrastructure and providing safe mobility options for all users.
According to Daniella Levine Cava, mayor of Miami-Dade County, “these funds represent a significant investment in the safety and well-being of residents.”
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“We are appreciative to our Congressional delegation for securing significant resources that will not only enhance key roads and boost safety, but also provide better mobility options to historically underserved communities as we continue to build a future-ready community.”
The representatives for Miami-Dade are Representatives Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL-23), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Mario Diaz Balart (FL-25), Carlos Gimenez (FL-26), and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27).
Representative Gimenez succeeded in obtaining $9 million for resurfacing and road enhancement projects. Representative Diaz-Balart successfully fought for upgrades to Vision Zero safety and road resurfacing projects totaling close to $8 million. For the “Reconnecting Communities: Station Area Master Analysis” project, Rep. Wilson was able to secure funding totaling $500,000.
According to Miami-Dade County Chief Operations Officer Jimmy Morales, “these earmarks represent a tremendous investment in the future of transportation safety and accessibility in Miami-Dade County.”
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He went on, “Our county team was successful in obtaining needed funding for quick implementation projects, addressing pressing safety and mobility needs, through strategic collaboration and advocacy efforts.”
The designated money will help with a number of crucial initiatives, such as stormwater drainage, signal modernization, route expansion to ease traffic congestion, and the installation of pedestrian hybrid beacons and high-visibility crosswalks to lower the number of accidents and fatalities at certain junctions.
The money will also go toward a planning study that aims to reintegrate communities that have been cut off from employment and transportation options. The goal of each project is to optimize connection and safety throughout the whole transportation network.
Eulois Cleckley, director and CEO of DTPW, continued, “We are appreciative of the federal government’s recognition of the urgent need for transportation investments that prioritize safety and access.” “With the help of these earmarks, we will be able to put the necessary improvements into place that will increase road safety and promote greater connectivity.”
DTPW is steadfast in its commitment to seize every chance to obtain money to carry out infrastructure projects that serve the varied community as Miami-Dade County pursues its goal of a safer, more accessible transportation network.