Contact: Doug Hecox, 202-366-0660
FHWA 19-04o

A new Federal Highway Administration grant worth more than $500,000 will help replace an outdated bridge over Miami’s Tamiami Canal to improve access to the nearly $2 billion Miami Intermodal Center (MIC), said U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.

The $540,790 grant will help fund the bridge replacement, seen as essential by state transportation exports as the current bridge will be unable to handle the projected traffic growth expected to occur with the opening of the MIC in the next 15 to 20 years, Mineta said.

“This funding will help pave the way for more access to transportation and opportunities in Miami,” said Secretary Mineta. “As our economy continues driving ahead, the Bush Administration continues investing in projects that fuel opportunity and prosperity in communities across America.”

When completed, the MIC will be similar in function to New York City’s Grand Central Station, connecting commuters with various rail services, buses, taxis, privately-owned vehicles and the nearby Miami International Airport. The MIC, a significant part of the region’s transportation network, will solve mobility problems that plague the growing population of South Florida, Mineta predicted.

“President Bush knows that transportation investments are helping Floridians by ensuring that goods make it to store shelves, and that drivers get to their jobs and home again on time,” said Federal Highway Administrator Mary E. Peters.

###