Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Applauds WRDA Passage for major water resources infrastructure improvements

On Monday, December 21, 2020, the U.S. Congress passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020. This is landmark legislation that will strengthen the nation’s global competitiveness and sustain the nation’s seaports as economic engines for job growth in their communities and the nation, for decades to come.

WRDA is a critical first step to achieve full maintenance of the nation’s shipping channels and enables essential infrastructure investments at the nation’s busiest ports, including PortMiami. Full use and equitable distribution of harbor maintenance tax (HMT) funds are essential to accomplish these important objectives, as formulated by WRDA.

The investment of HMT resources at PortMiami will contribute to our seaport’s strength and resiliency, as it continues to grow trade and bring back jobs to the U.S. PortMiami projects eligible for HMT funds, include replacement of the berth bulkhead, critical environmental remediation programs, including coral relocation, artificial reef creation, mangrove restoration, and planning for sea level rises.

“Miami-Dade County is grateful to the efforts and dedicated support of the Miami-Dade Congressional delegation for the passage of the WRDA 2020. These funds will contribute to our economic recovery as we work to bring jobs back and build a more resilient PortMiami,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.