Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Dennis C. Moss, other County Commissioners, the County Manager, and representatives from the Mayor's Office visited Washington, DC from February 24th through the 26th for the annual Miami-Dade DC Fly-In.

While in Washington, several meetings were held regarding the economic stimulus package and the County's federal funding and legislative priorities. Briefings were held with our Congressional Delegation, Senator Bill Nelson, Senator Mel Martinez, Congressman Kendrick Meek, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart.

"The DC Fly-In was extremely successful and absolutely necessary as we look forward to working together with the new administration," said Chairman Moss.  "While we were there, House Democratic leaders released a $410 billion omnibus spending measure as the White House convened a summit on fiscal responsibility." Additionally, President Obama released a $3.55 trillion budget for 2010 that calls for universal healthcare and tax relief for low to middle-income families."

Photos by Griselle Marino/ Office of the Chair/Miami-Dade County

The County Commissioners also attended meetings regarding transit issues with the Federal Transit Administration, the American Public Transportation Association, the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Ranking Member John Mica of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. A Trade-related meeting was held with Ways and Means Chairman, Charles Rangel, in conjunction with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. 

Among many issues covered, Miami-Dade County's DERM and Seaport Departments addressed topics such as the Port of Miami Dredging and Beach Renourishment with Gary Loew, Chief Programs Division Directorate of Civil Works for the Army Corps of Engineers.  Commissioner Sally Heyman met with staff from the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to advocate for Sect. 511 repeal and "green procurement."

Additional meetings regarding the stimulus were held and more specific information on categories that funds will be filtered through the State of  Florida were distributed (please see below). 

"The numbers provided are encouraging and the list provides the County with a better idea of the funding levels and programs that are to be funded through the stimulus, thus helping County departments in their ongoing preparation for applying for, securing, and spending such funds in the most efficient manner possible," declared Moss.

Florida Allocations in the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1)