Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar meets with Mayor Tim Meerbott in Cutler Bay to Discuss Federal Priorities.
CUTLER BAY, FL - January 3, 2024 - Mayor Tim Meerbott welcomed Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar to Cutler Bay to discuss Town priorities and ongoing projects at a locally owned small business, Party Cake Bakery. The meeting centered around crucial infrastructural and community development projects in which federal funding can assist the Town.
Mayor Meerbott thanked Congresswoman Salazar for securing $4 million towards the construction of Marlin Road "Complete Streets" project spanning from US1 to Old Cutler Rd.
Mayor Meerbott also thanked Congresswoman Salazar for her fight to secure a $1 million appropriation for the Saga Bay neighborhood. This funding targets essential drainage improvements and wetland rehydration projects adjacent to the project in the Saga Bay neighborhood. This project is a direct response to the record-setting flooding incident in June 2022. The wetland rehydration project includes the installation of a direct pipeline from the Saga Bay lake to the adjacent jurisdictional wetlands. This pipeline will be located on the eastern side of the community, which will help with the overall drainage in the community.
Additionally, Congresswoman Salazar expressed her overall concerns with the Cutler Bay community regarding Citizen's Insurance and the continual increase in windstorm rates affecting every homeowner. Mayor Meerbott offered insight from his professional experience working in the insurance industry as a Senior Division Manager for Allstate Corporation, where he has worked for the past 35 years.
The Congresswoman congratulated the Mayor and Town staff for their success with FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS). This recognition places Cutler Bay as one of four communities in Florida, and only one of eleven communities out of 1,754 nationwide to reach the classification of CRS 3. This classification saves residents 35% on flood insurance.
The conversation further delved into the Town's 16-acre Legacy Park and Municipal Complex project, which has been designated a brownfield. This designation opens the possibility of Federally-funded grants through the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Town aims to collaborate with Congresswoman Salazar for future funding requests (grants), specifically for brownfield remediation programs.
Additionally, they also discussed the regional economic impact of the Southland Mall redevelopment and the possibility of seeking federal funding for a pedestrian bridge over US1 to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station located on SW 112th Avenue. This pedestrian bridge will allow direct access into the $300 million BRT system project.
The Town extends gratitude to Party Cake Bakery for graciously hosting the meeting. Congresswoman Salazar had the opportunity to engage with local employees and constituents, underscoring her commitment to direct community interaction.
For further inquiries, please contact media@cutlerbay-fl.gov.
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