Diaz-Balart Announces Funds for Transit Oriented Development Planning Along the East-West Corridor

MIAMI – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) released the following statement after Miami-Dade County was awarded a $960,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s Pilot Program for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Planning. In August, Diaz-Balart spoke with DOT Deputy Secretary Victor Mendez to express his strong support for Miami-Dade’s application.

Diaz-Balart serves as the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, and is the most recent South Floridian to hold that powerful post since former Congressman Bill Lehman, who served until 1993.

“I am pleased to announce that Miami-Dade County was awarded close to a million dollars towards transit oriented development planning along the East-West Transit Corridor. These federal resources can be used to further integrate land use policies and identify multi-modal infrastructure needs for transit oriented development along the corridor. The East-West Corridor is a critical component of the Miami-Dade County’s Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan, and can provide South Floridians with additional transportation options along State Road 836. As a senior member of the influential Appropriations Committee, I’m committed to continuing working together with Miami-Dade leadership so that we can better position our community to compete for vital and much needed transportation dollars.”

“I commend Mayor Gimenez, Transportation Chairman Bovo, and Transit Director Bravo for working towards innovative transportation solutions, and I look forward to continuing working with them.”

Miami-Dade County’s project was selected competitively for a total cost of $1.2 million with an 80% federal & 20% local cost share.