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MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION 
c/o Rosenstiel School
4600 Rickenbacker Cswy,
Miami, Fl. 33149
305-361-4850
Fax: 305-361-47
e-mail: mrc@rsmas.miami.edu

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Dick Bunnell opened the meeting and asked all attendees to provide self-introductions.  The first item on the agenda was Kris McFadden with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to discuss permitting procedures for utilities under the Miami River that need to be relocated before commencement of the dredging project.  Kris brought several handouts including an application form and a template for general requirements that would be applicable to all utility relocation permits.  Kris advised the group of the requirements and that the FDEP office in West Palm Beach would be responsible for permitting utility relocations and the Tallahassee office would issue the permit for the dredging project.  Kris stated that FDOT has submitted their applications for utility relocations of FDOT bridge control cables and the review of their application was the basis for the general template for other utility permits.  One issue in the permit was the requirement to monitor turbidity levels, however, most utility companies did not see a problem with this requirement.  Any utility relocation that requires the movement of sediment requires a permit.  Additionally, he advised applicants that they need to have a submerged lands lease with the state if their utilities go under state submerged lands.  Generally in the River, state submerged lands are from the 27^th Avenue Bridge to the Bay.  Kris answered utility questions and made himself available after his presentation to work directly with individual permit applicants.  Kent Edwards, FDEP permit reviewer for the dredging permit, provided comments and answered questions concerning the “conceptual water quality certification” conducted at the Tallahassee office.  Scott Mitchell thanked Kris, Kent and the FDEP for providing the informative presentation.  Kris McFadden said he would forward a copy of all utility permits to the MRC and county so that all interested parties would be aware of the status of the utility permitting.  It was stated that the next meeting of the utility companies is on May 6, 2002 at 10 am at the Ansin Building, 3250 Southwest Third Avenue (Coral Way) Miami, FL 33129.

The next item discussed was the status of the Project Cooperation Agreement (PCA).  Jerry Scarborough stated the Corps had forwarded the PCA back to the county about two weeks ago and he has not heard from the county.  Roman Gastesi, MDC, stated he expected some minor tweaks but has not talked to the lawyers.  Roman stated he wanted to bring the PCA before the County Commissioners in early summer.  Jerry stated the Corps needs the OK from the county so the Corps can forward the PCA up to Washington for approval by the Under Secretary of the Army.  Jerry said the last thing he wants to do is send the PCA through the Army Corps Chain of Command and then have the County Commissioners change something and start the cycle all over again.  It will take approximately 60 days for the Corps in Washington to approve the PCA.  Discussion ensued about the timing of putting the PCA before the County Commissioners.  Jerry stated the DEIS and DMMP must be approved before the Corps can approve the PCA.  The DEIS and DMMP were published on March 29, 2002 and require 45 days in draft and another 30 days as final.  This extends to approximately June 15, 2002.  The Corps can approve the PCA after acceptance of the environmental documents.  Discussion continued on the most appropriate time to put the PCA before the County Commissioners.  Roman Gastesi stated that the public hearing in the Melrose community this evening would probably be the telling issue.  If the community agrees with the Corp’s updated proposal, Roman feels the Commissioners will also be agreeable.  Discussion continued without a decision on the timing of presenting the PCA for approval before the County Commission.  Jerry wants to send the PCA to Washington as soon as possible.  Jerry stated that the PCA must be completed and signed by both parties before the Corps can advertise the project.  Discussion continued and it was determined to see what happens at the Melrose public hearing and then determine the proper timing of presenting the PCA before the Commissioners.

The next item discussed was the status of the DEIS and DMMP and Jerry Scarborough said it has been put on CD’s and hard copies have been mailed to appropriate officials.  Also it is on the Corps’website – www.saj.usace.army.mil/pd/envdocs/envdocsb.htm

The next item discussed was the bank-to-bank dredging option.  Ed Swakon, MDC consultant, stated that all the permits have been submitted and will be reviewed by Kent Edwards at Tallahassee and it is expected that Kent will issue another conceptual permit identical to the navigational channel dredging.  Ed stated that the proprietary rights of submerged lands property owners is an issue with the bank-to-bank dredging.  Ed stated that above 27^th Avenue there are upwards of 80 separate submerged lands owners.  Below 27^th Avenue, the state is the property owner of submerged lands and the state will grant proprietary rights for the dredging project.  The state is planning on updating all submerged lands leases in conjunction with the dredging project.  The county attorneys are drafting letters to all property owners to obtain a statement of no objection from the property owners above 27^th Avenue.  The bank-to-bank dredging will only go to the natural banks and this does not cover marinas or slips that were cut from upland properties.  Ed provided a timeline of the project, from his perspective.  This generated discussion about the timeline for the conceptual permit to be converted into a final permit.  This is a large concern, because the conceptual permit contains some potentially onerous requirements.  Discussion ensued.

The next item was the Melrose community meeting scheduled for tonight.  Roman stated that Commissioner Rolle will be in attendance and it is at the Miami-Dade County Transit Authority Auditorium.  The MRC, USACE and county officials will provide comments and respond to questions.

The next dredging working group meeting was scheduled for May 15, 2002 at 10 am at the Rosensteil Library Room. 

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