District 5 Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins was recognized for exceptional contributions to public transit as she continues to build Miami connections
District 5 Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins has been reappointed by NACo President James Gore to serve another year as Chair of NACo’s Transportation Policy Steering Committee. This role allows her to advocate for critical transportation issues affecting counties nationwide, leveraging investments from the historic Infrastructure Law.
"I am honored to be reappointed as Chair of NACo’s Transportation Policy Steering Committee,” -Commissioner Eileen Higgins
Commissioner Higgins expressed her honor at the reappointment, emphasizing her commitment to securing federal transportation funding and shaping policies for bridges, roads, transit systems, airports, and seaports. She has been an active NACo member, serving in various leadership roles and frequently testifying before Congress.
The Transportation Policy Steering Committee addresses federal transportation legislation, funding, and regulations impacting county governments. Higgins’ reappointment underscores her contributions and dedication to enhancing transportation infrastructure and policy locally and nationally.
Throughout her tenure, Commissioner Higgins has been a driving force in revitalizing and improving the Miami-Dade Transit system. Her forward-thinking leadership has led to numerous initiatives that have significantly modernized the system, increased accessibility, and fostered innovation.
Commitment to Accessibility and Community Impact
One of Commissioner Higgins' most notable accomplishments is her unwavering dedication to making Miami-Dade Transit more accessible. She believes in the transformative power of public transit to connect people with better job opportunities and educational resources. She understands that reliable and efficient transportation is crucial for improving the quality of life.
Groundbreaking on the final phase of Brownsville Transit Village
In a significant step towards enhancing transit-oriented development, Commissioner Eileen Higgins recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the final phase of the Brownsville Transit Village. This project, which has already delivered 401 affordable housing units in its previous four phases, is strategically located near the Metrorail, offering residents enhanced connectivity and contributing to the long-term sustainability of Miami-Dade County. The fifth and final phase will introduce 120 affordable housing units, reinforcing the county's commitment to providing accessible housing options and promoting transit-oriented growth.
New transit options on the ballot on August 20 election
Traffic congestion is a top complaint among Miami-Dade residents, and the county is exploring new solutions to this pervasive issue. Commissioner Higgins emphasized the need for effective transit options, highlighting the potential expansion of the Metromover and Metrorail systems along the county’s East-West Corridor, including an extension to Florida International University (FIU) along Flagler Street.
“We, as most of us know, do not have a good solution to the congestion out in the western edge of our county, our busiest bus routes happen to be on Flagler Street. A Metromover extension would provide a more efficient alternative.” - Commissioner Eileen Higgins
Commissioner Higgins has garnered unanimous support from her colleagues for a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to build an elevated people mover system extending to FIU. This project aims to alleviate traffic, improve accessibility for students and workers, and better connect western residents to key areas like downtown Miami and Coral Gables.
“FIU is a giant place, not just a place where people go to study, but where people go to work. Reducing congestion along that corridor makes it better for students, makes it better for workers and it better connects the folks that live out west with jobs that happen to be in downtown or closer to perhaps the Gables.” - Commissioner Eileen Higgins
Community Support and Future Plans
The expansion project also considers additional connections to nearby areas, potentially through trolleys or buses, enhancing the overall transit network. FDOT will present detailed plans and cost estimates in the coming months.
Commissioner Higgins urged residents to vote on August 20th to favor the transit measure, underscoring its significance for the county’s future transportation plans.
“We need people to vote yes to signal to the commission that the people of Miami-Dade County are loudly and proudly for transportation solutions to give us the political power we need to move forward”. – Commissioner Eileen Higgins
Under Commissioner Higgins' leadership, Miami-Dade’s public transportation system has significantly improved. Her dedication to enhancing transit infrastructure continues to make a lasting impact, promising a brighter, more connected future for all residents.
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