I. Presentation of the Economic Development Impacts of Merrill-Stevens Comprehensive Revitalization of the Miami River Through the Modernization and Expansion of its Dry Dock Ship Repair Facilities - On behalf of Merrill-Stevens, Mr. Mark Bailey distributed and presented the aforementioned report, highlighting the following pertinent charts, tables and measured data, as well as providing a brief history and current update:

• Merrill-Stevens contracted Mr. Antonio Villamil and Mr. Charles Yaros, CEO and Economist, respectively, of the Washington Economics Group, to prepare the report; the report was completed on May 30, 2006 .
• The estimated $55 million proposed private investment to expand Merrill-Stevens Yachts generates quantitative economic impacts in two distinct phases: Phase I-development/of facilities & related infrastructure; Phase II-annual recurring phase once project is completed and fully operational
• Bailey highlighted the following pages:

• Table I, page 6: projects the total number of reoccurring and sustainable employees to be 500, a 400% increase; project will have a direct positive impact on the economy of Miami , the County and the State

• Table 2, page 10: Phase I Employment Impacts from Construction of the Proposed Facility Supports over 1,090 jobs (642 direct, 452 indirect)

• 1,880 total jobs (direct, indirect and induced)

• Craftsman with training average salary = $48,450

• Table 6, page 14:Total Economic Impact is $100 million

• Phase II, pages 15-16: Recurring Annual Impacts after Facility Becomes Fully Operational are Significant for Florida & Miami-Dade; estimated revenues once facility is completed and operating at capacity will be in the area of $90 million per annum; approximately 40% of the yard’s activities will be focused on the repair of “mega yachts,” and the remaining 60% of revenue will come from work on smaller yachts and watercraft

• Table 8, pages 17-18 The total annual recurring economic impact generated by Merrill-Stevens state-of-the-art facility once operational is $195 million;

• Appendix I – Methodology

• “The Merrill-Stevens proposed expansion project will: strengthen Miami and Florida’s “brand” as a Business Center of the Americas; develop high-wage, high-value-added industry for Miami-Dade and County; expand marine industry in accordance with factor endowments of Miami River; have important quantitative impacts on labor income, employment, output and fiscal revenues; expand/modernize the existing facility to provide repair/refit services for mega yachts up to 250 feet-long; include tie-up facilities on both shores to accommodate such yachts; revitalize riverfront park at Robert King High (south shore) through detailed landscaping and the creation of a publicly accessible riverwalk; create a training center on south shore of river, east of NW 12^th Avenue Bridge”

  Mr. Bailey asked the EDC for their thoughts and guidance on the most appropriate manner to increase public awareness of the Merrill-Stevens Economic Report, and economic development value of the Merrill-Stevens planned expansion, which is a component of the Miami River ’s marine industry.  Mr. Bailey added Mr. Villamil would be willing to provide presentations.  Ms. Kelly suggested Merrill-Stevens reach out to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) Board of Governors, as well as the Beacon Council.  Ms. Kelly noted she would contact Mr. Barry Johnson , GMCC president, to facilitate a meeting/presentation. Mr. Bailey noted the goal of providing presentations of the report and expansion plans are to increase public awareness.

Ms. Kelly noted the planned Merrill Stevens expansion will generate significant new quality jobs, create a marine industrial vocational school, in a premiere mega-yacht “green” facility featuring solar panels. 

Mr. Bailey stated the Board of Miami-Dade County Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the County Manager to undertake negotiations with the Allapattah Business Development Authority, Inc. (the Related Group) and the Merrill-Stevens Training Institute, Inc. for the Civic Center and Marine Re-Development project, and directing the County Manager to bring back the results of such negotiations to the board in 90 days; negotiations involve Merrill-Stevens acquiring county-owned parcels/bulkhead to construct a publicly accessible riverwalk and marine industrial training center east of the NW 12^th Avenue Bridge.  Mr. Bailey thanked the MRC finding the planned Merrill-Stevens Yachts Expansion consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.

II. New Business – following items were presented/discussed:

• Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, noted she is drafting a written report of the Odebrecht Upper River Virtual Tour to attach to the MPO’s Miami River Corridor Transportation Master Plan. Dr. Bohnsack added she would present the draft before the MRC’s Urban Infill Working Group on Friday, October 20, 2006 , 10 am , Robert King High. Dr. Bohnsack noted she was looking for direction/guidance to bring the Odebrecht plan to fruition.
• Dr. Bohnsack noted a new Federal law is requiring the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to provide radiation screening for cargo containers, effective January 2008, thereby reaffirming the importance of creating cargo facilities on the Miami River .  Dr. Bohnsack noted she would further address this item at the next Miami River Port Security meeting.

The next regularly scheduled third Monday of the Month, 3 PM , EDC meeting was confirmed for November 20, 2006 , 1407 NW 7 ST, New Board Room.

The meeting adjourned.