Diaz-Balart Delivers Federal Dollars for Miami-Dade's SMART Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. ­­–– Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced that the Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will grant $891 million in federal funding for 12 transit infrastructure projects nationwide. Among the 12 projects, is Miami-Dade County's South Corridor Rapid Transit Project. These funds come from the Capital Investment Grant program, which is an account under Congressman Diaz-Balart's THUD jurisdiction, and one that he has continuously delivered federal funds for.

"Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have succeeded in bringing billions of federal dollars for Southern Florida. Serving as Chairman and now Ranking Member of THUD Appropriations, I've been especially involved in bringing federal resources to Miami-Dade to expand and improve our county's transportation system. I have often stated I am in a position to deliver the federal funds should Miami-Dade County ever bring forth a viable transit plan. Thankfully, our local leaders delivered.

"The SMART Plan is an innovative project that will greatly benefit our community. By moving forward with the creation of a 20-mile Bus Rapid Transit line along the plan's South Corridor, the county is taking an important step towards alleviating the traffic and gridlock we face daily. I commend Mayor Gimenez and several county commissioners for their leadership in finding state-of-the-art, workable transit solutions. I thank President Trump and Secretary Chao for making Miami-Dade's infrastructure a priority, and I look forward to continuing to deliver for the residents of Miami-Dade."

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