Mario Diaz-Balart

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake).

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Maryland for doing a great job in leading us through all the bills. She has done a wonderful job. I thank her for her leadership today. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I would yield back.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable woman and friend from Florida's 25th District, Mayor Lynda Bell of the City of Homestead. She was elected Mayor in November 2007 and serves as Homestead's first woman mayor in the city's 94-year history. Prior to this accomplishment, she served four years on the city council from 2003-2007 and was Vice Mayor for two years. Born in Hollywood, Florida, Mayor Bell was raised in South Florida and attended Miami-Dade College. She has been a resident of Homestead since 1979 and understands the needs of the diverse community she represents. She has a strong personal belief in volunteerism and service, and is completely dedicated to our community. What most stands out about Mayor Bell is the energy she puts into her work. Her positive attitude is what enables her to get things done and encourages others to join her in working towards achieving the goals she has laid out for the City of Homestead. In 2004, Mayor Bell was chosen as the recipient of the Athena Award from the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce and was a finalist for the Florida League of Cities' Councilperson of the Year Award in 2007. In addition to putting the needs of our community first, Mayor Bell also makes life at a home a priority as a dedicated wife to husband Mark, and loving mother and grandmother to three children and seven grandchildren. Mayor Lynda Bell exemplifies the true meaning of public service and does so by always prioritizing the needs of others first. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in congratulating Mayor Bell for her invaluable service and contributions to our community.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act: Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, RE/FA Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Miami Address of Requesting Entity: 1252 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146 Description of Request: I have secured $2,494,000 for Climate Forecasting, FL. This funding will be used to continue research on the application of climate forecasts. Climate variability significantly impacts agricultural production in the Southeastern United States. Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the Southeastern economy and contributed $14.3 billion to Florida, Georgia and Alabama economies in 2002. The Southeastern Climate Consortium reduces economic risks and improves social well-being by facilitating the effective use of climate information in agricultural decision-making. Members of the Southeastern Climate Consortium include the University of Miami, Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Alabama at Huntsville, and Auburn University. Each university provides unique and complementary talent and expertise in the necessary research areas. For example, the University of Miami will provide socioeconomic modeling and analyses of the agricultural system and characterize the linkages among water management and farming. Previous funding for this project includes $2,675,000 in FY08 and $3,600,000 in FY06. It is my understanding that all participating Universities will receive a portion of this funding. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, SRG Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Services - Address of Requesting Entity: 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL 33850 Description of Request: I have secured $1,217,000 for Citrus Canker/ Greening, FL. The funding will be used to continue the vital citrus canker and greening research being conducted by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS), to improve technologies for treatment and detection, methods of movement and containment, and means to control and eliminate citrus canker and greening. As a result of the 2004 and 2005 hurricane season it has become evident that the eradication of citrus canker in Florida is not feasible, therefore it is vital that the scientific community find a disease resistant crop or a cure to the disease to protect the citrus industry, which is a vital part of the Florida economy, from these devastating diseases. The continued research on citrus canker and greening is a joint effort among the State of Florida, University of Florida and citrus industry. The project is estimated to cost approximately $16 million in total. The University of Florida has received $3 million from the Florida State Legislature and $7 million from citrus growers for work on this important project. Previously the University of Florida has received $1.35 million in FY08, $500,000 in FY06 and $474,000 in FY07 for this project. It is my understanding that the University of Florida will provide $3 million in cost-share funding. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Department of Justice, COPS Law Enforcement Technology Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Doral Address of Requesting Entity: 8300 NW 53rd St, Suite 100, Doral, FL 33166 Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for the City of Doral Police Department. This funding will be used to offset the cost of purchases made to establish a new police department in the City of Doral which was incorporated in 2003 and has grown at a rate of 71%. The City of Doral recently opened its own police department after sharing services with the Miami-Dade County Police Department for the past several years. The City opened its department in order to effectively provide for the rapidly growing community's traffic, public safety and law enforcement needs. Funds provided will be used for equipment purchases include protective gear, communications devices, hardware/software and technology upgrades. The project is estimated to cost a total of $17 million. It is my understanding that the city has received $1,500,000 through the Community Budget Issue Request Funding provided by the State of Florida that will be utilized as a cost-share for this project. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Department of Justice, COPS Law Enforcement Technology Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Collier County, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112 Description of Request: I have secured $350,000 for the Emergency Services Technology. The funding will be used to support the acquisition of public safety equipment for the County's new Emergency Services Center. Current public safety technology equipment is outdated and hindering the ability for the local law enforcement officials to work effectively. Funding will go towards procurement of GIS and improved interoperable communications technology. The Emergency Services Center, currently under construction, is a 130,000 square foot, four story complex and includes a communications tower. Upon completion, occupants will include the Emergency Management staff, Emergency Operations Center, Information Technology, Sheriff's Substation and 911 Center, and Clerk of Courts. The total cost of technology acquisition is approximately $10,000,000. It is my understanding that the County has committed to funding construction of the $56,000,000 complex with the help of $3,204,000 provided by the State of Florida as a cost-share for this project. This project received $352,500 in FY08. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Department of Justice, OJP--Juvenile Justice Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The ARISE Foundation Address of Requesting Entity: 824 US Hwy 1, Suite 240, North Palm Beach, FL, 33408-3838 Description of Request: I have secured $300,000 for the ARISE Life- Management Skills Intervention/ Re-entry Program for High Risk Youth. The funding will be used by The ARISE Foundation to provide juvenile justice facilities with specialized staff training and unique curricula to teach life lessons and develop thinking skills for incarcerated youth needed to break the cycle of violence and crime in order to reduce recidivism rates. The ARISE foundation serves approximately 31 facilities providing juvenile justice and has trained over 5,250 certified life skills instructors who have taught over 3.7 million hours of life skills lessons. The material provided contains vital information used to reduce recidivism by learning life-management lessons. The ARISE foundation plans to expand its training program for Juvenile Crime and Detention Officers in Florida's Juvenile Justice facilities by introducing additional training topics such as anger management, non-judgmental listening and conflict resolution. This project has received previous funding including $728,500 in FY08, $250,000 in FY06, $250,000 in FY05, $500,000 in FY04 and $500,000 in FY03. It is my understanding that this project will receive cost-share funds in the form of $150,000 from sales of curriculum and training and $100,000 from private foundation grants. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Army Corps of Engineers, Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Florida Water Management District Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Description of Request: I have secured $123,448,000 for the South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration, FL. The focus of Everglades Restoration is to restore, protect and preserve the defining ecological features of the original Everglades and the South Florida ecosystem. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) was originally enacted in the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. This Plan includes 68 different projects designed with the goal of restoring historic waterflows to the Florida Everglades. This project is a 50/50 cost-share with the Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Florida. To date the State of Florida has invested in excess of $2 billion for CERP, the ACOE has invested just over $340 million. In FY08 this project received $130,669,000. It is my understanding that this funding will be utilized by the State to serve as the Federal share of the 50/50 cost-share arrangement established in WRDA 2000. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Army Corps of Engineers, Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Florida Water Management District Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Description of Request: I have secured $3,472,000 for the South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration, FL Everglades and S. Florida Ecosystem Restoration, FL. The focus of Everglades Restoration is to restore, protect and preserve the defining ecological features of the original Everglades and the South Florida ecosystem. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) was originally enacted in the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. This Plan includes 68 different projects designed with the goal of restoring historic waterflows to the Florida Everglades. This project is a 50/50 cost-share with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and the State of Florida. To date the State of Florida has invested in excess of $2 billion for CERP, the ACOE has invested just over $340 million. In FY08 this project received $130,669,000. It is my understanding that this funding will be utilized by the State to serve as the Federal share of the 50/50 cost-share arrangement established in WRDA 2000. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Army Corps of Engineers, Investigations Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Miami-Dade County, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 111 NW 1ST St, Suite 1032, Miami, FL 33128 Description of Request: I have secured $478,000 for the Miami Harbor, FL. The funding will be used to begin the Miami Harbor Phase III dredging project authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. The project will deepen the Port of Miami to 50-52 feet in order to accommodate the larger container ships which are becoming the industry standard. Implementation includes design, preparation of plans and specification for bidding. Miami Harbor is a major economic force, accounting for over 98,000 jobs and $12 billion in annual economic impact. The total project cost is $154,300,000 with an additional $3,800,000 in PED ($2,670,000 Federal and $1,220,000 Non-Federal). Expected Federal Share based on Federal Statute is $73,060,000. The Non-Federal Share is $81,240,000. It is my understanding that Miami- Dade County intends to invest $1,220,000 and other Federal Sources will be investing $670,000 as a cost-share for this project. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Army Corps of Engineers, O & M Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Miami-Dade County, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 111 NW 1ST St, Suite 1032, Miami, FL 33128 Description of Request: I have secured $10,043,000 for the Miami River, FL. The funding will be used to implement the final phase of the Miami River Dredging Project, seeking to restore the authorized depth and width to the navigational channel. The project aims to remove contaminated sediments from the Miami River, which is Florida's 4th largest port with an economic value of $4 billion. The River has not been dredged since it was originally dredged to be navigational in the 1930s. The dredging provides improve navigation as well as enhances the environmental quality of the River and Biscayne Bay. This funding will enable the ACOE to complete this project. $40,000,000 has previously been Appropriated for this project. The State of Florida has provided a minimum of $2 billion to act as a 50/50 partner. It is my understanding that funding allocation and cost-sharing will include $4,700,000 from Miami-Dade County, $3,300,000 from the City of Miami, $19,200,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and $9,700,000 from the South Florida Water Management District. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Department of Energy, Science Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Barry University Address of Requesting Entity: 11300 NE Second Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33161 Description of Request: I have secured $761,200 for the Barry University Institute for Collaborative Sciences Research. The funding will be used to expand and renovate the collaborative research, laboratories and teaching facilities and instrumentation as well as to expand support for faculty and student development. Barry University requires more critical laboratory and teaching space to develop its potential as a research facility to further their mission to prepare leaders from the minority community in health professions and facilitate nationally valuable evidence-based research. This project has previously received $400,000 in FY08. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Army Corps of Engineers, Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Florida Water Management District Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Description of Request I have secured $74,069,000 for the Herbert Hoover Dike, FL (Seepage Control). This vital project, which is currently underway, is providing vital security by constructing a seepage cutoff wall that will protect the Dike from seepage as well as protect the local community by preventing a breach in the Dike during a Hurricane. This project is authorized under the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1930 and received $54,883,584 million in FY08. It is my understanding that this is a 100% Federal project and all funding will be utilized for further construction work on the Dike. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine Address of Requesting Entity: 1601 NW 12th Avenue, 9th Floor, Miami, FL 33136. Description of Request: I have secured $238,000 for purchase of equipment for the Pediatric Integrative Medical Center at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. The funding will be used to develop a pioneer center for excellence for a pediatric integrative medicine model where research and delivery of care are emphasized. The model will utilize Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in concert with conventional medicine to improve the standards of care. It is becoming more and more evident that all health problems cannot be solved through traditional medical interventions, many factors, such as diet, lifestyle and environment play an important role in pediatric health. Currently, CAM has not been tested extensively in pediatrics, and adult studies cannot be extrapolated to pediatrics. This Center will focus on evaluating CAM and a pediatric integrative medicine model in order to develop the most effective interventions and develop rigorous scientific methodology. The model will allow cross-communication between pediatricians, disease management specialists and CAM practitioners with a single point of contact with the patient in order to provide comprehensive and efficient delivery model. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Homestead, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 790 North Homestead Blvd., Homestead, FL 33030 Description of Request: I have secured $190,000 for facilities and equipment at the Bill Dickinson Senior Center. The funding will be used for construction, renovation and equipment to expand the Bill Dickinson Senior Center. The expansion is necessary to accommodate the growing number of members and to allow the Center to provide dedicated medical rooms geared toward health, therapy/fitness services and health screening. This project received $375,000 in FY04 and $125,000 in FY05. It is my understanding that the City of Homestead will provide $5,800,000 for design and construction and the Florida State Division of Cultural Affairs will provide $346,500 in cost-share funding. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Collier County, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112 Description of Request: I have secured $143,000 for healthcare access network for the uninsured, including purchase of equipment for Collier County, FL. The funding will be used to support and further develop a health care access network for the under/uninsured in Collier County. Collier County has identified over 35,000 residents who lack quality health care and currently is experiencing overuse of its emergency health facilities. This project seeks to expand, organize, and develop a full access program with a full continuum of services for approximately 35,000 residents needing health care. The initial phase of this project has been the adoption of a shared information database between the portals of entry for the poor into the system. Future phases of the project include marketing and full penetration of the population of uninsured/underinsured individuals. The total cost of this project is approximately $5 million. This project received $327,183 in FY08. It is my understanding that local healthcare providers will contribute approximately $1,000,000 in services, community foundations will provide $370,000 and Collier County will provide matching funds of approximately $130,000 for staff salaries. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Economic Development Initiatives Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Miami-Dade College Address of Requesting Entity: 11011 SW 104 St, Miami, FL 33176 Description of Request: I have secured $142,500 for the development and construction of an Environmental and Ecological Study Center. The funding will go towards the development and construction of an Environmental and Ecological Study Center at Miami-Dade College. The facility will be a dynamic education resource center and environmental showcase consisting of a single family ``house'' where students and visitors can see ecologically sound best practices. It will have the external appearance of a south Florida home and will have flexible meeting areas for workshops, conferences, demonstration areas and office space. The Center will model environmentally sustainable construction design and will provide local residents, consumers, designers, builders, environmentalists and others with a single source for integrated and practical ways to make homes greener, safer, stronger and smarter. The Center will deliver formal and informal education in support of major national and state environmental priorities including energy efficiency and conservation, hurricane and flood protection, water conservation and management, asthma, mold and other indoor air hazards and access for the disabled. It is my understanding that Miami-Dade College intends to provide a local match of $319,266. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Authority, Bus and Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Town of Miami Lakes, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 15700 NW 67th Ave, Miami Lakes, FL 33014 Description of Request: I have secured $570,000 for the Miami Lakes Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Trolleybus Procurement, FL. The funding will be used for the second phase of the vehicle procurement program. The funding will go towards the procurement of hybrid electrical vehicles which provide negligible emissions and low-floor designs. The vehicles will be part of the trolleybus service that is currently being implemented. The service is designed to provide general transportation throughout the town, primarily focusing on east-west directional travel currently not serviced by the County bus system, transportation for students and parents to and from Bob Graham Education Center during the morning commencement and afternoon dismissal periods, a mid-day lunch route service for the business parks, and lastly, a paratransit, door- to-door bus service for senior citizens. The general circulator will mitigate their growing traffic congestion problems and the potential safety concerns stemmed by increased vehicular traffic. The funds will go towards the purchase of a new bus with an estimated cost of $400,000 and operations and maintenance. It is my understanding that this project has received $400,000 from the State Department of Transportation for operations and the Town will fund the remaining operations budget with revenues from a local transportation sales tax. This project received $300,000 in FY08. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Economic Development Initiatives Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Miami Military Museum Address of Requesting Entity: 1825 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134 Description of Request: I have secured $118,750 for the relocation, restoration and rehabilitation of a historic military structure called the Miami Military Museum. The funding will be used to relocate, restore and rehabilitate the historic structure into a military museum, veterans memorial and education center. The structure served as a control base and headquarters for the blimps that protected the South Florida coastline and Caribbean during World War II, an intelligence base during the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, an Army Reserve Center, and a Marine Corps Reserve Center during Desert Storm. In addition to serving as a museum, the restored facility will serve as a research library and classroom space to accommodate school field trips. It is my understanding that this project is expected to receive $2,000,000 from Miami-Dade County and has previously received $350,000. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Authority, Bus and Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Doral, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 8300 NW 53rd St, Suite 100, Doral, FL 33166. Description of Request: I have secured $475,000 for the Doral Transit Circulator Program. The funding will be used to further implement the Doral Transit Circulator program. This program allows the City to provide public transportation services to help alleviate traffic congestion and to connect residential areas with recreational, retail and commercial facilities. Once primarily composed of agricultural and industrial tracts, City of Doral has established itself as a major center of wholesale international trade and a booming office, commercial, and residential community. Approximately 35,000 people live in Doral and over 100,000 more travel to and through the city each day for employment and business activities. Due to its proximity to the urban core of Miami-Dade and major transportation facilities, as well as the rapid development of its component communities, Doral contends with a unique array of transportation concerns that require immediate and significant attention. It is my understanding that the City of Doral will provide $250,000 in matching funds towards this project. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Department of Transportation, Federal Lands (Public Lands Highways) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Miccosukee Reservation, FL Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 440021, Tamiami Station, Miami, FL 33144. Description of Request: I have secured $760,000 for the Snake Road Safety Improvements. The funding will be used to design the recommended alternative to widen the existing shoulders on Snake Road within the Miccosukee Tribe Reservation to address significant safety concerns. Two studies conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs concluded that Snake Road is in serious need of realignment and repair, where from 1997-2000 70 accidents occurred resulting in 6 deaths. The project would fund the alternative selected by the Florida Department of Transportation following a PD&E Study which has the least environmental impact and is the most cost effective. Total cost of the project is $1,079,600. It is my understanding that the Tribe will provide the remaining funding necessary for the project to be completed as a local match. Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) Bill Number: H.R. 1105, FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act Account: Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Authority, Capital Investment Grants Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Miami-Dade County, FL Address of Requesting Entity: 111 NW 1ST St, Suite 1032, Miami, FL 33128 Description of Request: I have secured $20,000,000 for the Metrorail Orange Line Extension Project, FL. This funding will be used for Phase II and III of the Metrorail Extension Project, the North Corridor and East-West Corridor, respectively. Phase II is in the final planning stage for the construction of a 9.2-mile Metrorail extension along NW 27th Avenue and Phase III is a proposed East-West Rapid Transit Corridor that will run some 10-13 miles East from the Miami Intermodal Center to Florida International University and points west. Metrorail began service in 1984 and currently operates 22.4-miles of rapid transit line, however the region has experienced tremendous growth in the last 24 years, most of it occurring outside the current system boundaries, and is in need of an expanded Metrorail system. This Rail extension will allow more options for commuters and visitors as well as improve safety on the roadways and be more environmentally-friendly. This project was authorized in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users in 2005. The total cost of this project is an estimated $1.6 billion. It is my understanding that the Florida Department of Transportation will invest $452,700,000 and the Miami-Dade County People's Transportation Plan will invest an additional $452,700,000 as the local match for this project.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, we clearly need a stimulus bill, a bill that creates jobs. Unfortunately, the only thing that this is going to stimulate is more government bureaucracy and government bureaucrats. This will not help the economy. Let me add some ammunition. Only $3 billion, which is one-third of 1 percent to help the job creators to stimulate small businesses. One-third of 1 percent for small businesses that are the job creators? And yet, it's going to add $9,400 for all of our American families in debt; $9,400. Less than 7 percent of the money goes to infrastructure. That's shameful. You know, this House debated recently the TARP bill to try to cover itself for the embarrassment, the embarrassment and lack of accountability of that TARP bailout bill. This is just the ``Son of TARP.'' We're going to be embarrassed. It's not going to help the economy like it's supposed to, and we're going to read about the scandals. Please vote this bill down.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, In an effort to create awareness about an issue that hits close to home, I want to share with you that February 7-14th is National Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. It is a little known fact that the number of children affected by heart disease is higher than those affected by Autism or Down Syndrome. According to the March of Dimes, congenital heart defect is the number one birth defect. In the U.S. alone, more than 25,000 babies are born each year with a defect, many of which are undetected and life threatening. Chances are that you or someone you know, including my family, has been affected by a similar circumstance. Although it is a difficult and fearful process, there are a lot of families in our community who have been through it and are willing to offer their support. In South Florida, we are fortunate to have the Holtz Children's Hospital, where our son Cristian was treated for a serious heart condition, among other incredible hospitals. While good medical care is critical, it is also important to have a strong support group. Hospitals often offer guidance in getting families in touch, and there is also the Angel's Pediatric Heart House, which focuses on helping the entire family cope with the diagnosis. Families affected by heart disease do not have to feel alone, because they are not.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the work and accomplishments of a distinguished radio journalist and community activist, Martha Flores. Mrs. Flores fled Cuba 50 years ago, on January 17, 1959, and immediately started advocating for her country's freedom as a member of the first anti-Castro organization in exile ``La Rosa Blanca''. She has since lived and worked in Miami, Florida and is also celebrating her 50th anniversary in journalism. Mrs. Flores began her radio career as the host of a program on WMIE, the only station at the time that broadcast some programs in Spanish. Throughout the years, she has hosted radio shows on La Fabulosa, Ocean Radio, and WRHC Cadena Azul and for the past 18 years, has produced and hosted a nightly Spanish radio program, ``La Noche y Usted'' on WAQI Radio Mambi. Mrs. Flores embodies the American dream and is testament of what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication. She worked several jobs at once and broke through language and culture barriers to become one of the most listened to radio personalities in Miami. She continues to be an advocate for the cause of a free Cuba. She is also dedicated to working on behalf of the community's children and elderly and is active in animal rights issues. Mrs. Flores has done all of this and much more while also being a loving mother to her son Jose Acosta and wife to her husband Rosendo Soriano. I recognize my friend Martha Flores for her legacy of hard work, professionalism and service to our community and ask that you join me in expressing our sincere congratulations as she celebrates these important 50 years.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Chairman, we clearly need to pass a stimulus package, a plan that will help our economy. Unfortunately, this plan spends lots of money but very little to incentivize the economy. It does very little to incentivize small businesses, small businesses which are the job creators in our country. Frankly, less than 10 percent of the money in this spending bill goes to infrastructure projects. And we hear a lot of talk about the infrastructure projects. I agree with that. But less than 10 percent of the bill goes to infrastructure projects. Most of them, unfortunately, Mr. Chairman, go to create a larger Federal bureaucracy with little accountability and nearly no oversight. Does that sound familiar? This House last week was here passing legislation that the Senate already said they weren't going to do to try to cover up and fix up the embarrassment of the TARP legislation, of that bailout legislation, that had no accountability and no oversight. This bill is more of the same. This is Son of TARP, except it's even bigger, with little money and accountability, with little oversight, with less than 10 percent for infrastructure and with very little to help the job creators, the small businesses in our great country. We need better accountability. We need more oversight. We need more for infrastructure. We need more to help the small businesses and less to just send it to create a larger Federal bureaucracy with no oversight. Again, as embarrassed as some people were about TARP, this is Son of TARP. We are going to read the scandals. Don't pass this legislation.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good friend and colleague, Congressman Dave Weldon, who is retiring from the House of Representatives after serving the people of the 15th district of Florida for 14 years. He has always served his constituents with dignity, class, and integrity. He has been a great example of a true citizen legislator. He put aside successful careers in our Nation's Armed Forces and in private practice as a physician to devote many years of his life to public service. Dave has been a leading national supporter of NASA and other space issues. He has been a strong leader in Florida advocating the need to invest in NASA and the many benefits it provides our Nation. From his service on the Science and Appropriations Committees, he has kept a close eye on the space program and ensured Florida's Space Coast plays an integral role in national space policy. It has been an honor serving with him, and it is a privilege to call him a good friend. I wish Dave and his wonderful wife Nancy much happiness in the next chapter of their lives.

Mr. DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2638, the Fiscal Year 2009 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act. Center for Ophthalmic Innovation Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25). Bill Number: H.R. 2638, Report 110-181. Account: RDT&E. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Miami. Address of Requesting Entity: 1252 Memorial Dr, Ashe Administrative Building Room 230, Coral Gables, FL 33146. Description of Request: I received an appropriation of $2,400,000 for the Center for Ophthalmic Innovation at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. This funding will be used to help develop new modalities of treatment and ensure direct treatment of military personnel through the development of relevant ophthalmic telemedicine initiatives. This funding will aid the Center in continuing research on advanced ocular imaging technology enabling more accurate diagnosis of hereditary retinal disease, better monitoring of treatments for wet and dry macular degeneration, rapid and cost-effective screening for diabetic retinopathy, better evaluation of refractive surgical outcomes, and the ability to qualify dry eye disease. Additionally, the Center is developing new operational systems for ophthalmic telemedicine to bring high quality eye disease screening to military personnel as well as every United States citizen. Eye health is vitally important to the Department of Defense as active military personnel must have perfect visual acuity to carry out their duties effectively. At least 16 percent of war casualties are due to eye trauma, and millions of retired military personnel suffer from age-related eye disease. Spending Plan Imaging and Telemedicine--$445,205. Prevention and Restoration--$454,797. Eye Disease Project Prevention--$245,853. Minor equipment and supplies--$120,945. Total Direct Cost--$1,266,799. Indirect Costs--$653,201. TATRAC 20 percent--$480,000. Grand Total--$2,400,000. Dual-Use Technologies for Bio-Defense Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25). Bill Number: H.R. 2638, Report 110-181. Account: DTRA. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Florida Gulf Coast University. Address of Requesting Entity: 10501 FGCU Blvd. South, Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565. Description of Request: I received an appropriation of $1,200,000 for the Dual Use Technologies for Bio-Defense: Drug Design and Delivery of Novel Therapeutics project. This funding will be used to continue the project which focuses on state-of-the-art research on technologies to treat bio-threat agents and develop methods of bio-defense for combat and civilian use. Scientists at Florida Gulf Coast University, FGCU, are utilizing a library of novel small molecule chemistries that have a high and selective binding affinity for a broad range of bio-threat agents. There is a critical need for new technologies that can be used for the treatment and inactivation of bio-threat agents and pathogens important to bio-defense efforts. Viruses and other pathogens can be attacked either externally while they are being transmitted between host cells or internally once they have infested a host cell and are actively replicating. New technologies developed at FGCU have the promise to revolutionize drug targeting by using molecular methods to design novel therapeutic molecules and by using physical methods to deliver drugs to the specific site. These technologies can be used to overcome one of the primary limitations of modern pharmacology, the inability to specifically target therapeutic molecules, and have applications for infectious diseases, cancer aging, and cardiopulmonary diseases. Spending Plan Personnel--$600,000. Equipment--$100,000. Supplies--$180,000. Travel--$20,000. Indirect--$300,000. Grand Total--$1,200,000. Jackson Health Center Requesting Member: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25). Bill Number: H.R. 2638, Report 110-181. Account: RDT&E. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Jackson Health System. Address of Requesting Entity: 1611 NW 12th Ave. Miami, FL 33136-1096. Description of Request: I received an appropriation of $6,000,000 for the Military Trauma Care Training and First Responder Information Technology Initiatives at Jackson Memorial Health System in partnership with the Army Trauma Training Center, ATTC, situated in the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. The ATTC has functioned as the national training center for U.S. Army Forward Surgical Teams (FSTs) since 2001. Monthly, the ATTC conducts 14-day training program for deploying FSTs in order to improve clinical skills and teamwork. The resources of the Ryder Trauma Center and the William Lehman Injury Research Center present a unique opportunity to develop and evaluate new and innovative diagnostic and treatment tools and point-of-care information systems to maximize the care of injured soldiers. The Center is developing diagnostics and devices to enhance the capability of first-responders to effectively treat casualties as close to the geographic location and time of the injury as possible. Since January 2001, the Army Trauma Training Center, in conjunction with the Ryder Trauma Center, has trained over 25 forward surgical teams and more than 650 Army personnel in active duty and reserve components--\2/3\ of all forward surgical teams in the U.S. Army--supporting over 75,000 combat troops. Spending Plan Salaries--$1,769,194. Faculty--$419,195. Staff--$1,349,209. Equipment--$1,377,000. Telemedicine Equipment--$300,000. Minor Other Equipment--$70,000. Software Licenses--$120,000. Minor supplies--$387,000. Programming Consultants--$500,000. Total--$3,146,194. Indirect Costs--$853,806. TATRC 20 percent--1,000,000. Grand Total--$5,000,000. In order to facilitate the speedy printing of your submission, we also suggest that you take advantage of the Clerk's ability to accept extensions of remarks for the Congressional Record in electronic form. Full instructions can be found on the Clerk's website, but please keep in mind the following: * * * * *

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act increases regulation and continues to limit production of abundant American energy resources. This legislation follows the Majority's typical path of runaway spending, higher taxes, and more red tape for domestic energy production: This legislation deepens our dependence on foreign oil by permanently banning production of 97 percent of the 10.5 billion barrels off the coast of California, and over 85 percent of American's energy resources. It contains no revenue sharing provision, thus giving states a major disincentive to agree to off-shore drilling. It also prohibits drilling in areas where experts say most of the energy resources is known to be found. H.R. 6899 imposes a massive tax increase of $17.7 billion over 10 years on companies engaged in domestic energy production. At this time of economic uncertainty, increasing taxes does nothing but threaten millions of American jobs. By raising costs on domestic production, consumers can expect the higher taxes to be passed down to them. This measure would limit efforts to expand American energy supplies, which ensures further dependence on Hugo Chavez and unstable Middle Eastern nations for their sources of oil. I cannot support a bill that says no to clean coal, no to nuclear and no to new refineries. Energy is the critical issue of our time, and this Democratic Congress refuses to let the House engage in and debate a real, meaningful energy bill that actually produces energy. We need a vigorous energy policy that relies on American resources for American energy while growing our economy and creating countless new jobs. The American people expect and deserve better. This country needs a serious, aggressive, all-of-the-above energy plan that will lead us to energy independence, not a hoax of an energy bill.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, on Monday, September 15, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and thus I missed rollcall votes Nos. 589 through 591. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: On rollcall vote No. 589 on H. Res. 1200, honoring the dedicated and outstanding work of military support groups across the country for their steadfast support of the members of our Armed Forces and their families, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall vote No. 590, on H. Con. Res. 390, of which I am a cosponsor, honoring the 28th Infantry Division for serving and protecting the United States, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 591, H.R. 6889, to extend the authority of the Secretary of Education to ensure continued access to Federal student loans, for 1 year, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I wish to honor Stanley Tate and his lovely bride Joanne as they begin their 60th year of marriage. Few people have had as major and as positive of an impact on our country and particularly on Florida education as Mr. Tate. In 1987, the Florida Legislature created the Florida Prepaid College Program to provide Florida families an affordable way to save for their children's college education. Mr. Tate, as chairman of the board for 18 years, was instrumental in developing this landmark and innovative program and making it the success it is today. Under Mr. Tate's leadership, more than 142,000 children used their plan benefits to attend a college or university. Today, the Prepaid College Trust Fund remains financially strong and actuarially sound. In recognition of Mr. Tate's service, the program he put so much time and effort into shaping, was officially renamed the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program by law on June 26, 2006. Florida families are grateful for Mr. Tate's tireless leadership throughout his years of service. He has always put the needs and interests of our families and students above any self-interest. I am honored to draw attention to such an admirable and decent public servant who has never sought personal accolades. On behalf of grateful Florida families across the State, I thank Mr. Tate for his dedication to our children's education and congratulate him and his wife on nearly 60 years of marriage. May they enjoy many more years together.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker. I rise today to recognize the unconscionable 34 years of Turkish military occupation in Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, in blatant violation of international law. Nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forcibly expelled from their homes and approximately 5,000 Cypriots were killed. Today, Turkey has 43,000 troops occupying northern Cyprus, and the European Court of Human Rights has condemned Turkey in multiple decisions for violating the basic rights of Cypriots such as the right to life, the right to liberty and security, the right to respect for family life, the right to the protection of property and the prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment. Cypriots want a unified island and continue to demonstrate their commitment toward a genuine reunification of Cyprus. However, no solution can realistically happen until the Turkish troops are withdrawn. I strongly urge Turkey to show a commitment to international law and basic human rights by ending its military occupation and withdrawing its 43,000 troops so that Cyprus can begin to heal these wounds, peacefully integrate its people and economy and grow together as a nation.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Chairman, I once again want to thank the chairman and the ranking member, and I thank Ranking Member Duncan as well. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to offer a very straightforward amendment, but first I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar not only for this amendment but for always working with me on issues of importance to my constituents. Also, the Transportation Committee staff has been very easy to work with, especially Jim Tymon, who is here, for working with me and my staff, Lauren Robutaille, to help draft this important amendment. And, of course, I always have to thank Ranking Member Mica. The State of Florida is truly fortunate to have such a passionate champion and such a passionate advocate for issues that are important to our State. My amendment simply seeks to emphasize the importance of public safety in prioritizing new highway bridge funding as well as place risk-based priority for rehab and repair on deficient or obsolete bridges that serve as emergency evacuation routes. Transportation infrastructure, especially bridges, obviously, play a vital role during emergency situations, during natural disasters. And we've all seen that from time to time in many coastal areas, and I refer to especially obviously to Southern Florida. Bridges, frankly, sometimes provide the only mainland access for millions of residents and visitors, and during times of emergency, these bridges provide sometimes, again, the only emergency evacuation options, period. And as I said a little while ago, in the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, unfortunately, that emphasized the need for safe emergency evacuation routes when millions of Americans, millions of Americans, faced mandatory evacuations. Now, Florida bridges--as you all know, we are a peninsula surrounded by oceans. Florida bridges sustain additional wear and tear to frequent storms and saltwater corrosion. My amendment, Madam Chairman, simply emphasizes the importance of ensuring public safety as well as ensuring that Americans have access to safe evacuation routes during times of disaster, during times of danger. I again urge my colleagues to support this straightforward amendment. Once again I want to thank the chairman for his great work and for always allowing me to go to him and his staff and the committee staff on issues that are important to my constituents, my State, and, I think, the country. With that, Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I want to first thank the ranking member and the chairman for bringing this resolution forward. All of us in this great body are fortunate to have great police officers in our home districts, in our home communities, in our hometowns. Our local police departments keep our communities and our families safe, and all of us greatly appreciate their hard work and their sacrifice. But we must also always recognize and always remember the officers who keep this Capitol community safe. Nearly 3 million tourists from across the country and across the globe visit this Capitol every single year. The Capitol Police keep the Capitol complex safe and secure for our constituents, for our staffs, for our families, and for all of us who have the privilege to work here every day. And among their stated mission is to protect and support the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities, and they do so every single day with great courage, with great courtesy, with great dignity. The United States Capitol Police are on the front lines of the war on terrorism as well, and they remain on constant alert against multiple threats to the Capitol complex and all of those who work and visit this complex. Unfortunately, as we have already heard before, tomorrow marks the 10th anniversary of the deaths of Officer Jacob Chestnut and Detective John Gibson, who lost their lives protecting the Capitol and other people inside from an armed attacker. This is a very solemn reminder, Madam Speaker, of the dangers that the Capitol Police face on a regular basis on our behalf. I call on this body to express its gratitude and appreciation to their professionalism and all of the officers as we remember the horrible events of 10 years ago. These officers put their lives on the line and, unfortunately, paid the ultimate price. We could not do our jobs effectively without them. So as the chairman said, let's not only support this resolution and thank the Capitol Police today. Every single day that we are here, let's remember the job that they do for all of us, for our country. Let's thank them. Let's appreciate them.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I want to thank the sponsor of this sense of Congress. We saw just a few weeks ago what happened in Colombia where the Colombian military and that democratically elected government freed a number of hostages, including Americans, that had been held hostage for over 5 years. If there's ever been a time when U.S. aid has been used effectively, we saw it just a few days ago. It is time that this Congress stop criticizing the democratically elected government of Colombia. Stop criticizing the Colombian people and start putting the blame where the blame needs to be, and that is on those murderous FARC. The Colombian Government is doing an incredible job, a wonderful job fighting those narcoterrorist thug murderers, and they're doing it with our help. It's great that we're finally going to commend them. I hope that this is just the first step. I hope we pass a free trade deal with Colombia because they deserve it. The democracy in Colombia deserves it, and we cannot turn our back. I hope we also stop that cut to our friend Colombia that reduces the funding to the Government of Colombia.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today in honor of a great public servant, Dr. Donna Shalala. On June 19, 2008, Dr. Shalala received the Presidential Medal of Honor, the Nation's highest award given to civilians for exemplary accomplishments that have benefitted the American public. Dr. Shalala currently serves as the president of the University of Miami, where she works tirelessly making UM a leading, world-class institution. South Florida and the Nation truly benefit from the cutting-edge research now being conducted at the University of Miami. Prior to taking that position, she served as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, where she was considered one of the most successful Government administrators of modern times. She managed programs, including Social Security, Medicare, the National Institute of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration. In 2007, President George W. Bush appointed her along with Senator Bob Dole as a co-chair of the Commission on Care for the Returning Wounded Warriors. They evaluated and made recommendations on how wounded service members can transition from active duty to civilian society while receiving the healthcare they deserve. In addition to her various roles in education and Government, Dr. Shalala was also one of the first Peace Corps volunteers, where she served in Iran from 1962 to 1964. Her resume of accolades and accomplishments is commendable. I wish her continued success and thank her for her many contributions to our great Nation. It is a great honor to call her my friend.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, June 1 marked the beginning of yet another hurricane season, and experts have predicted a 90 percent probability of either a near-normal or an above-normal hurricane season. They estimate that six to nine hurricanes will form, including two to five major hurricanes. Approximately 50 percent of all Americans live along our coasts. As a result of that, millions, millions face great risk associated with these storms that we know are going to be out there. Having a hurricane preparedness plan can help lessen and mitigate some of those dangers. The National Hurricane Center recommends that people in hurricane- prone areas assemble a disaster supply kit that includes a first aid kit, essential medications, canned foods and at least 3 gallons of water per day per person for the minimum of 3 days. Obviously, extra battery-powered radios, extra batteries, and flashlights are also recommended. As we have learned in south Florida, the forecasters, meteorologists, and the hurricane specialists at the National Hurricane Center are often the best source of the most valuable and reliable information on preparedness. I urge all Americans to prepare for this hurricane season and to listen to what the forecasters have to say.

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and thus I missed rollcall votes No. 331 through No. 337. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: On rollcall vote No. 331 on H.R. 6081, The Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall vote No. 332, on H.R. 6074, Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall vote No. 333, on H. Res. 1144. Expressing support for designation of a ``Frank Sinatra Day'' on May 13, 2008, in honor of the dedication of the Frank Sinatra commemorative, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall vote No. 334, on Adjournment Resolution, Providing for the Memorial Day Recess, I would have voted ``nay.'' On rollcall vote No. 335, on H.R. 1464, to assist in the conservation of rare felids and rare candids, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall vote No. 336, on H.R. 2649, to make amendments to the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall vote No. 337, on H.R. 2744, Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the work and accomplishments of a distinguished community leader, Roscoe Warren. Mayor Roscoe Warren served the citizens of Homestead, Florida as a public servant for over 26 years. From 1981 to 1989 he served as Councilman, from 1989 to 2001 he served as Vice Mayor and from 2001 to 2007 he served as Mayor of the City of Homestead. Additionally, he served the City of Homestead through his leadership as the City's representative in many organizations including the Florida League of Cities, Miami-Dade County Office of Community and Economic Development and the South Florida Water Management District. Mayor Warren played a key role in bringing the City of Homestead out of the ruins of Hurricane Andrew and helped make it what it is today: a thriving, growing community of over 57,000 residents. His fundamental vision was to maintain Homestead's unique identity and to remember those pioneers who paved the way as well as properly providing for future generations of Homestead residents. I am very grateful for Roscoe Warren's contribution to our community and honored to call him my friend.