How should Miami-Dade be protected from future storms? The county wants your input

Miami-Dade is in line for a potential multi-billion dollar federal project that could shape the city for decades to come, protecting it from future hurricanes and rising seas.

But before any decisions are made, the county and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers want to hear from residents.

They’re hosting a weeklong series of public meetings — both in person and virtual — to listen to people about what kinds of protections they want.

The last time the Corps held these meetings, in 2020, they were virtual. Critics said it cut down on vital feedback from residents and led to the

Corps’ suggested plan to install tall walls along the coast, in Biscayne Bay and through suburban neighborhoods to keep storm surge at bay, among other defenses.

That plan was ultimately scrapped, and now the Corps is starting the process over again.

“Our goal is to maximize public participation and community engagement in the alternative formulation process,” Michelle Hamor, chief of planning and policy branch at USACE Norfolk

District, said in a statement. “The public is invited to learn more about the study during the public meeting as well as ask questions and engage with staff during the open house visuals.”

The first public meeting was held Monday.

On Tuesday, there’s another public meeting from 1 to 5 p.m. at the

Jose Marti Gymnasium Building, 434 SW Third St., 2nd Floor, Miami 33130.

Wednesday’s meeting is from 1 to 5 p.m. at Barry University, 10050 NE Second Ave., D. Inez Andreas Building #112, Miami Shores, 33168.

The Thursday meeting will take place from 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Town of Cutler Bay Council Chambers, 10720 Caribbean Blvd, Suite 115, Cutler Bay, 33189.

The final wrap-up meeting, on Friday, is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Miami-Dade Children’s Courthouse, 155 NW

Third St., Conference Rooms 5A and 5B, Miami, 33128.

Residents can also share their thoughts through a public comment website: https://arcg.is/ 0ub0Cf) or by emailing MDBB-CSRMStudy@ usace.army.mil.

More information about the study is available at: https://www.saj. usace.army.mil/Miami DadeBackBayCSRM FeasibilityStudy/