Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: “I rise in continuing support of securing Federal funds to dredge the Miami River located in my congressional district.…”

“I rise in continuing support of securing Federal funds to dredge the Miami River located in my congressional district. The 5 mile River runs through the heart of Miami and is in desperate need of cleaning. Dredging of the River is necessary because sediment buildup in the River has impaired the $5 billion cargo trade of the shipping industry. Many ships cannot load to capacity and are restricted to sailing only at high tide. The dredging is a key element of the River's revitalization. The project has the support of our local business and environmental communities. And we have a funding partnership with the State of Florida, Miami-Dade County as well as the city of Miami. Mr. Speaker, I urge a full cleanup of the Miami River, as it will result in economic improvements to the private riverside development by stimulating the shipping industry and providing much needed inner-city jobs. Federal funding for this project would also restore the environmental quality of the river and improve the quality of life for local residents and neighborhoods. We have the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and all of our local partners ready to do the work. Let us get going.”