The U.S. Department of Transportation this week awarded Miami-Dade County a $7,000,000 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant that will be used to modernize two cargo terminal gates at PortMiami. Last fall, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, a founder and chair of the Florida Ports Caucus, led a letter signed by members of the Miami-Dade congressional delegation urging Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to approve the grant request.
The upgraded gate facility will employ real-time data that will enable the port to increase capacity and reduce processing time for trucks entering and exiting the terminal, which will decrease their turnaround by more than 50 percent. The new technology also will increase safety and lower costs.
"I am extremely pleased that the Department of Transportation has recognized the value of investing in PortMiami's growth, which will boost both our local and the nation's economy. Just a few years ago, after deepening its main harbor, the port welcomed the first neo-Panamax vessel to dock in Florida," said Congresswoman Wilson. "Making the most of that historic opportunity by modernizing PortMiami's other facilities is the logical next step. I will continue to work diligently with bipartisan groups of local, state, and federal leaders to secure the federal funding required to ensure that PortMiami is both big-ship and cargo ready, which in turn will provide opportunities for Florida businesses and the creation of jobs, jobs, jobs!"
