MIAMI – President Obama will travel to South Florida Friday to tour the ongoing tunnel project at PortMiami and speak about the economy.
A senior administration official says the President will press Congress to pass new tax incentives and other flexibility measures aimed at attracting more private sector investment to infrastructure projects around the country.
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He will make the suggestions during his speech at PortMiami. He will try to show the public that the economy remains his top priority in the midst of high-profile campaigns on immigration reform and gun control.
PortMiami is currently undergoing $2 billion in upgrades. They are paid for by public and private funds. On Thursday, Governor Rick Scott told Local 10's Michael Putney that he wants the federal government to reimburse the state for tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer dollars invested in several Florida ports.
He is expected to arrive at Miami International Airport around 1 p.m. Friday. Congressman Joe Garcia will greet the President and accompany him to the port in the presidential motorcade.
IMPACT ON TRAFFIC
Service on Miami-Dade Transit will be temporarily impacted during the President's visit. Several Metrorail and Metromover stations will stop service at different points throughout the afternoon. The stops could take as long as 25 to 30 minutes. Passengers can sign up to receive rider alerts on MDT's website.
MDT also encourages any riders taking the Orange Line to Miami International Airport to get themselves plenty of time.
Traffic around PortMiami will also be shut down to all cars and pedestrians from 12:30 to 2:45 p.m. During that time, no one will be allowed to enter or leave the port.
Royal Caribbean is encouraging any passengers riding on its Majesty of the Seas voyage to arrive at the port between 10:30 a.m. and noon or 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. According to the cruise company's website, check-in will take place between those times. Majesty of the Seas' departure time will be delayed but the ship's itinerary will not be impacted.