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I & II. Status of Miami River Federal Navigable Channel Maintenance Dredging Project & Funding and Status of “Bank to Bank” Maintenance Dredging Project & Funding – Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, noted the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners had deferred a presentation of the proposed local advanced funding agreement for the Miami River Maintenance Dredging project to November. Mr. Bibeau provided a summary of appropriated funding to date (expected and available funding).  Mr. Bibeau noted $23.4 million was enough to complete Acceptance Section 10.

Mr. Rene Perez, Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), stated the remaining cost-benefit ratio takes into account the remaining contractor’s work. Mr. Bibeau asked if the ratio would improve as the project moves forward, and Mr. Perez replied it most likely would. Mr. Perez briefly discussed the difference between a “contributed funds agreement” vs. a “local advanced funding agreement.” Mr. Perez stressed that if the locals decide to advance funding to complete the project, reimbursement is not guaranteed.

 Mr. Robert Ruano , City of Miami , asked if there was a project that had set a precedent for reimbursement, and Mr. Perez replied he did not know. Mr. Bibeau noted that it was his understanding that projects, such as Everglades Restoration, had been provided with local advanced funding in the past. Mr. Bibeau added that Ms. Tanya Burke had informed him that $500,000 up to $2 million in reimbursement is possible.

Mr. Eric Buermann , Chair of the DSC, asked if the ACOE is favorable to local advanced funding, and Mr. Perez replied the ACOE is amenable to all types of agreements. Mr. Bibeau asked if there were any other documents pending execution, and Mr. Perez replied no.

Ms. Lucy Perez, South Florida Water Management District, noted Mr. Evan Skornick , SFWMD, had created a draft PowerPoint presentation of the benefits of the Miami River Maintenance Dredging project. Ms. Perez noted Mr. Skornick was unable to attend today’s meeting, but had requested that she seek input concerning the draft. Ms. Perez agreed to forward the recommended changes to the draft:

• No dredging since the construction of the Miami Canal in the 1930s
• Cubic yards vs. tonnage
• Include numbers to quantify economic benefits i.e. draft of ships, traversing regardless of tide, filling cargo to full capacity, illustrate economic figures, etc.
• Clarify homeland security component- security; what would happen if Port of Miami is targeted by terrorists…
• Show local investment
• Show financial benefits once dredging is completed
• Include pictures of depleted sea grass and contaminated sediments flowing into Biscayne Bay

Ms. Perez noted that the Everglades Restoration project included an agreement between the SFWMD, the City, County and state, binding them to repay for services. Ms. Perez added that this type of agreement provides the parties involved to pay back county-issued bonds since they are utilizing tax-payer dollars.

III. & IV. Update River Utility Crossings & Status of Removal of NW 5^th Street Bridge Prior to Dredging within that Acceptable Section – Ms. Tish Burgher, QCA, Florida Department of Transportation, noted the design component of the NW 5^th Street Bridge Replacement project has commenced. Ms. Burgher noted she anticipated the bridge demolition to be completed no later than April/May 2007, providing the dredging contractors ample time to reach that Acceptance Section. Mr. Bibeau noted the 5^th Street Bridge is located within AS11, and agreed to forward that map to Mr. Hector Rodriguez , FDOT.

Mr. Bibeau asked if demolition included the removal of the structure as well as its adjacent land, and Ms. Burgher replied it would include the bridge spans, all bridge and substructure fender systems and footings. Mr. Perez noted the contract calls for the dredging within existing fenders. Ms. Burgher noted FDOT had met with the ACOe to express concerns and establish consensus.

Mr. Buermann recommended forming a subcommittee to address any and all concerns regarding the NW 5^th Street Bridge project.

V. New Business – The following items were presented/discussed:

• Don’t fully comprehend Orin and Ruano’s dilemma

The Dredging subcommittee confirmed the next regularly scheduled third Wednesday of the month meeting for November 15, 2006, 10 am, 1407 NW 7 ST.

The meeting adjourned.

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