Economic stimulus dollars are paying for new sidewalks, curb ramps, bus stop access for people with disabilities and flooding and drainage system improvements.  Dollars are also on the streets in the form of assistance for unemployed and disadvantaged workers.

Nearly $21 million has been given to our local workforce development agency, South Florida Workforce. These funds helped almost 4,000 young people in our community through summer employment. They continue to be used to train and re-direct workers in fields like healthcare and IT where employers are hiring in Miami-Dade and other workforce programs.

Recovery dollars are also being used to encourage growers and nursery operators to switch their old irrigation engines to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and use less fuel. This Recovery Act grant reimburses growers up to 65 percent of the cost of replacing old irrigation equipment. The County received $2 million to help local growers "go green" by switching to the new, more efficient engines and reducing their gas consumption. More information on the clean diesel repower rebate can be found at www.miamidade.gov/agriculture.

"Investments like this - no matter how big or small - are good for our community, said Alvarez. "They improve our quality of life, and they are stimulating the economy during very difficult times."

For more ARRA funding information, go to www.miamidade.gov/recovery.

Mayor Carlos Alvarez (center) along with (L-R) Assistant County Manager Ysela Llort, Public Works Director Esther Calas and the contractor, Fence Master, at the Guardrail Installation project on their first day at work.	Mayor Carlos Alvarez thanks a representative from State Farm Insurance for recruiting insurance agents and clerical staff at the North Miami-Dade Career Expo.
Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Commissioner Katy Sorenson and Agricultural Manager Charles LaPradd check out the new, more efficient irrigation engines.