The City of Miami has received a $60 million transportation grant to help fund a project that will connect Overtown and Downtown.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez held a news conference Thursday morning to announce the grant for the "I-395 Underdeck and Heritage Trail" project.
Plans for the project include a 33-acre public open space and mile-long trail system below Interstate 395 to connect the two Miami neighborhoods that were essentially severed by construction of I-395 and Interstate 95 in the 1960s.
"This is the largest grant the city of Miami has ever received in its history," Mayor Francis Suarez said. "Today, we are announcing a $60 million US Department of Transportation grant, which marks a critical leap forward in the I-395 Underdeck and Heritage Trail project."
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City leaders say the Underdeck will offer a safe environment for recreational activities such as walking, jogging, biking, and scooting, promoting non-vehicular transportation options.
The total estimated cost of the project is $82,653,730.00.
“Today is Overtown’s time,” Suarez said. “Once completed, the Underdeck and Heritage Trail will be a true blessing that will awaken the best in Miamians. Your family and my family will be able to experience Miami as it should be, as one.”
