Construction Law
U.S. Army Corps Proposes $4.6B Flood Control Project in Miami-Dade County
On June 5th, 2020, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers unveiled a draft of the Miami-Dade Back Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study, including a proposal for a $4.6 billion plan to protect the most vulnerable parts of Miami-Dade County, FL, from future storm surge damage and coastal flooding. The plan extends to both inland and coastal areas expected to be at-risk for sea-level rise and coastal-storm flooding and would include the construction of storm surge barriers as well as nonstructural elements.
In this brief article, we’ll review what the coastal protection program entails, the impact it will have on the economy, and how a Miami contractor attorney from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants can help you effectively plan, budget, and get everything in writing before your next construction project commences.
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What’s Included in the Proposal?
The $4.6 billion plan, which is one of several drafted by the Corps of Engineers, calls for the construction of a number of structures in order to protect the 2.8 million people who live there from storm surge and coastal flooding caused by hurricanes and tropical storms. The protection plan calls for over six miles of sea walls, ranging anywhere from one to 13 feet in height, plus levees and floodwalls along the Miami and Little rivers, Edgewater neighborhood, and the Biscayne Canal. Storm surge gates would also be installed on three waterways that open onto Biscayne Bay, including the Miami River.
Under the current proposal, there is also a call for a series of pumps along the waterfront. Over thousands of homes, public buildings, and businesses are expected to be elevated and flood-proofed as well. Finally, the Corps’ plan calls for extensive planting of mangroves along the shoreline in residential areas of the southern part of the country. It’s important to note, however, that no solutions are currently being offered to guard the city against the increased flooding brought on during high tides and large rain events.
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How Will This Proposal Impact the Economy?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that Miami-Dade County plays a crucial role in our nation’s economy. The Port of Miami alone creates approximately $41 billion in economic activity and supports roughly 320,000 jobs. The Miami International Airport handles the largest amount of international freight and the second largest number of international passengers in the United States. This doesn’t even begin to include the bay’s $26 billion tourist industry. Without plans to reduce coastal flood risk and increase the area’s resiliency, the Corps insist we will continue to see increased threats to life, property, and the U.S. economy. And while the solutions proposed will not fix all flooding issues, the project is expected to provide $1.64 billion in annual net benefits.
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Why Should You Consult With Florida’s Leading Attorneys?
In the construction industry, there’s no shortage of costly and time-consuming consequences you could face as a result of a simple oversight or lack of planning. When you partner with one of our Miami contractor attorneys, we understand that no project will run 100 percent smoothly and can identify any potential problems and move quickly to mitigate risks for your construction firm. This includes contract review and drafting in which we will draft and review any contract documents you may come across, including terms and conditions, licensing agreements, joint venture agreements, contractor-owner agreements, and more. Don’t let something like signing a poorly written contract or beginning a project with out-of-date insurance halt progress on your project or lead to potential disputes ever again.
If you would like to speak with a Miami contractor attorney, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.