Salazar’s Requested $23 Million for Miami Community Projects Signed into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) announced that she secured more than $23 million in funding for critical projects in Miami communities. These projects were included in the Republican-led Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which the Congresswoman proudly supported. President Biden signed the bill into law on March 9, 2024.

Miami is facing numerous challenges, including rising cost-of-living, sea level rise, and housing affordability. The funding will go towards 14 distinct projects designed to improve Miami’s coastal infrastructure and environment, water supply, workforce development efforts, and housing for senior citizens.

“I am proud to announce more than $23 million in housing, water, and crucial infrastructure wins for Miami that passed this month into law,” said Rep. Salazar. “This funding addresses direct needs in our district and will help keep Miami competitive and resilient for years to come.”

The community funding projects included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 include:

1. $3.5 million to the City of Miami for the Flagler Affordable Senior Housing project that will develop a newly constructed affordable housing building for the elderly.
2. $3.3 million to the University of Miami for the Expansion of the Reef Restoration Infrastructure Project to boost coral reef restoration efforts along the east coast of Florida.
3. $3 million to the Miami-Dade County Seaport to install shore power for the purpose of increasing efficiency and reducing diesel emissions.
4. $3 million to the Miami-Dade College Historic Dyer Federal Courthouse renovation to turn it into a workforce development, innovation, and culture center.
5. $2.5 million to the City of Coral Gables for a Mobility Hub to create a one-stop-shop for additional local transportation options.
6. $1.75 million for the City of South Miami to convert homes from septic to sewer service and improve water quality.
7. $1 million to the Village of Pinecrest for a storm drainage system to address extreme flooding.
8. $1 million for the Town of Cutler Bay for a stormwater pump station, catch basin reconstruction, and drain installation to address extreme flooding.
9. $1 million to Miami-Dade County for contracting pollution control stormwater infrastructure for the purpose of improving water quality. 
10. $1 million to the City of Miami for drainage improvements, wider roadways, and new and safer sidewalks and crosswalks.
11. $750,000 to the City of West Miami for a Potable Water System Replacement Project to replace its outdated water system.
12. $600,000 to the University of Miami Aircraft Center for Earth Studies Expansion project to help with rapid assessment of hurricane impacts and coral reef restoration.
13. $450,000 to the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida for the Camp Mahachee Hardwood Hammock restoration to restore a historic Girl Scout camp.
14. $200,000 to the Village of Palmetto Bay for the Palmetto Bay Veterans Park to honor those who have served our country.

Read what community leaders said about the projects Congresswoman Salazar secured for Miami below:

“The Village is very thankful for the support Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar gave Pinecrest in advocating for stormwater drainage funding. Addressing the effects of sea level rise through improved drainage infrastructure ensures the future resiliency of the community.” – Mayor Joseph M. Corradino, Village of Pinecrest

“We are thrilled to receive federal community project funding for the historic Dyer Courthouse, which will begin the process of preserving it as the center for art, culture, and innovation. This investment will not only preserve this important landmark but also provide vibrant instructional spaces for our students. We are grateful for this support, which will enrich our community for generations to come.” – Dr. Maryam Borrego, Miami-Dade College Vice President for External Affairs and Chief of Staff 

“As we move ever closer to breaking ground on Veterans’ Park, I’m thrilled to announce that Representative Maria Salazar successfully included the park in Congress’ Consolidated Appropriations Act (FY 2024 minibus), which will provide Palmetto Bay with $200,000 in funding for Phase 1 construction. I want to thank Representative Salazar for her hard work and commitment in securing these funds for the Village, and I look forward to inviting her to the groundbreaking ceremony. This assistance is especially meaningful since Veterans’ Park will not only enhance the Village of Parks public green spaces but will also stand as a monument to the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to preserving the freedoms we enjoy here in our Village and throughout the nation.” – Mayor Karyn Cunningham, Village of Palmetto Bay

"As Mayor of Cutler Bay, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar for her dedicated efforts in securing $1 Million for the Saga Bay Community Water Quality Improvement/Drainage Project. Residents during Tropical Storm Alex in 2022 underscored the critical need for this initiative, as Saga Bay homeowners endured unprecedented rainfall surpassing 22 inches. With this project, we aim to redirect water from Saga Bay Lake to the wetlands, further enhancing stormwater treatment before it reaches Biscayne Bay. On January 3, 2024, Congresswoman Salazar visited the Town, and the Saga Bay project was our top funding priority. We are tremendously grateful for Congresswoman Salazar's partnership in ensuring the resilience and well-being of our community.” – Mayor Tim Meerbott, Town of Cutler Bay

“Congresswoman Salazar has been a champion of Coral Gables and all of South Florida. Her advocacy was critical to our success. The Mobility Hub project she secured funding for will positively impact residents, visitors, and businesses in Coral Gables and is important to our city’s continued economic development.” – Mayor Vince Lago, City of Coral Gables

“We are thankful to the administration and Representative Salazar for financially supporting the City's efforts to mitigate the effects of sea level rise & improve water quality within Basin K. These dollars will go a long way towards connecting our new tennis facility at Dante Fascell Park and converting approximately 250 homes from septic to sewer service.” – Mayor Javier Fernandez, City of South Miami

(With respect to the City of Miami Drainage Project) “This is the result of working together with our Federal Representatives for the benefit of our local community. The funds that Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar has secured for my district will serve to improve the quality of life for our residents, such as $1 million that will be used for the drainage improvement project in the Golden Pines area.” – City of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes

(With respect to the City of Miami Affordable Senior Housing Project) “With the current housing crisis that we are facing in the City of Miami, these additional federal funds are welcomed. The $3.5 million will be allocated to the construction of an affordable senior housing project at a time when finding affordable housing has become one of the biggest challenges for the elderly in Miami.” – City of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes

“I want to thank Congresswoman Salazar for championing this project. Without her full support and dedicated work, this would not have been possible.” – Mayor Eric Diaz-Padron, City of West Miami

“The Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida are grateful to Congresswoman Salazar for supporting the Camp Mahachee Hardwood Hammock Restoration project. This robust, multi-phase rehabilitation project will breathe new life into an endangered native hardwood hammock habitat, providing for both climate resilience and serving as a living laboratory for Girl Scouts and our entire community to experience habitat restoration in real time. This important project will reverse decades long decline of a native hardwood hammock, attract vital pollinators to the local ecosystem, create tangible, experiential learning opportunities for the community, involve Girl Scouts in the restoration effort, and attract and leverage mutually beneficial partnership to enhance the quality of life in Coral Gables and the surrounding areas.” – Chelsea Wilkerson, CEO, Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida

“The University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science is grateful for Congresswoman Salazar’s leadership in championing these impactful investments in coastal resilience, conservation, and preservation. These transformational funds for coral reef infrastructure and ecological assessments further position the University of Miami as a regional and global leader in climate resilience through innovative research and technological advancements. Our coral reefs are vital to the ecology and economy of Miami-Dade County, and our greater region. Their preservation, alongside our ability to manage and monitor natural and man-made resources, is of great importance to ensuring a sustainable ecosystem and community for generations to come. This funding helps establish a Center for Coral Reef Restoration Science, and supports the Aircraft Center for Earth Studies (ACES) demonstrating Congresswoman Salazar’s continued commitment to instrumental initiatives in coastal mitigation and preservation all while training the next generation of leaders and engaging our local community in these important efforts.” – Roni Avissar, Dean of the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science

“PortMiami is an industry leader, which is future ready and committed to innovative, efficient, and sustainable growth. The seaport’s Decarbonization and Electrification Master Plan is at the forefront of its environmentally conscious development. We’re thankful to Congresswoman Salazar for helping us secure this vital funding.” – Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

“Our continued growth and success are a result of strong collaborations with all of our partners and elected officials. I want to thank Congresswoman Salazar for her leadership and continued support.” – Hydi Webb, Director and CEO of PortMiami

Local non-profit organizations and municipalities interested in obtaining community project funding for fiscal year 2025, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-3931. 

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