Miami-Dade County is actively exploring the expansion of its aviation facilities in the face of rapidly surging passenger and cargo traffic at Miami International Airport (MIA). Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera is championing a study to scrutinize MIA's capacity, and to investigate the feasibility of developing an additional airport. "Year after year, MIA sets new benchmarks," Cabrera said, emphasizing the urgent need for forward planning in a statement obtained by Community Newspapers. “But we can’t afford to wait until we hit capacity. Planning for the future now means more jobs, less congestion, and securing Miami-Dade’s status as a global hub for commerce and tourism.”
The county commission has advanced a resolution by Cabrera that directs Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's administration to evaluate potential locations for a new airport and to discern any impediments they might encounter. This move comes in recognition of MIA's remarkable growth over the past decade, which saw passenger movements climb from 40.5 million to 50.6 million, and cargo traffic increase to 2.75 million tons, according to a report by Florida Politics. Cabrera stated, "Clearly, we're growing year-over-year significantly. So, we want to make sure we’re being forward-thinking and that we’re prepared for the future.”
Commissioner Raquel Regalado advocated for proactive measures and suggested that Cabrera's proposition be amended to involve feedback from county aviation partners. This consideration appears to stem from the lessons learned from MIA's stalled expansion in 2008, a failed $512 million venture known as Airport City. Regalado advised vigilance in stakeholder communication, to prevent the backlash experienced in previous county initiatives. "For your personal well-being," she told Cabrera, "just have them talk to the stakeholders so no one's blowing up your phone when they get a whiff of a draft of a memo," as she conveyed in a session highlighted by Florida Politics.
Miami-Dade officials are taking steps to prevent future traffic congestion and keep the region economically strong. The plan includes reviewing current infrastructure, finding new locations for development, and assessing the environmental impact. If approved, the county expects a detailed report within 90 days.
