MIAMI – In a vote Thursday, Miami-Dade County commissioners gave the green light to move forward with a proposed extension of the Dolphin Expressway into Kendall.
The Miami-Dade Expressway Authority is set to operate the new toll-based six-lane expressway, which would still need to get state, federal and Department of Environmental Resources Management permits.
Dubbed the Kendall Parkway, it was met with opposition from environmentalists who feared the nearly $1 billion idea would affect the Everglades Restoration Project, contaminate drinking water and contribute to sea-level rise.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez disputed those ideas as misinformation floating around the community. Gimenez said the project would be fully funded by MDX tolls and construction would be completed within the the highest environmental standards.
Gimenez also said the project would not affect the current urban development boundary, which some feared would spur growth on the wetlands. Proponents believe the new expressway will alleviate traffic congestion.
For more information about the project, visit the MDX page.
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