Curbelo effort leads to funding of Multimodal Transit Center in Homestead

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will direct nearly $7 million in previously unused funds to the Multimodal Transit Center in downtown Homestead, Florida, in response to recent efforts led by U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL).

Earlier this year, the Federal Highway Administration announced that previously unused earmarks could be repurposed, a decision that allowed funds to be invested in infrastructure projects across the country.

Speaking at a briefing announcing the funding, Cubelo said the new transit center “is going to mean more and better jobs, more opportunity and a lower cost of living.”

Located adjacent to the Miami Dade Busway, the Multimodal Transit Center will encompass a 1,000-space garage and park and ride, a bus rapid transit station, a hub of the Homestead Trolley, and 105,000-square-feet of retail and entertainment space in downtown Homestead.

The transit center has the potential to draw 300,000 additional visitors to downtown Homestead each year.

“Earlier this year, I sent a letter to FDOT Secretary Boxold urging him to repurpose unused earmarks for the Multimodal Transit Center in downtown Homestead,” Curbelo said in written remarks. “The nearly $7 million that will be used for this endeavor will significantly benefit the members of our community and give individuals another transportation option.”

Curbelo wrote in March of the strategic importance of Homestead. The city serves as a gateway to the Keys in the event of emergency and is also home to the Homestead Reserve Air Base and the Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station.