WTDC Newsletter – November 16, 2021
– Biden signs $550 billion infrastructure law
– PortMiami reports record year for container cargo
– International passengers returning to MIA and U.S. airports
– Florida lawmakers introduce legislation with incentives to divert vessels to Florida ports
– Pajama drive for His House by WTDC
Biden signs $550 billion infrastructure bill into law
On November 15, President Joe Biden signed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package with $550 billion earmarked for infrastructure improvements over the next 5 years to ports, airports, railways, roads, bridges, public transportation and power grids, among others. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was present at the White House for the historic signing.
“Our airport and our seaport are our economic engines,” says Levine Cava. “If we don’t keep them in the forefront, we will lose out for opportunities on travel and trade.”
CBS 4: Miami-Dade Mayor Says Infrastructure Plan To Help Make Local Roads Safer & Reduce Pollution
SupplyChainBrain: Biden Signed the $550 Billion Infrastructure Deal. Here’s Who Gets the Money.
PortMiami reports record year for container cargo
On November 5, PortMiami announced that it handled a record setting 1,254,064 TEUs (20 ft container equivalents) in Fiscal Year 2021 which ended September 30, 2021.
“PortMiami’s cargo performance is a reflection of the resilience of our community and the critical role played by our seaport,” said Mayor Levine Cava.
“Despite the incredible challenges of a global pandemic, the Port set a record for the strongest year in cargo activity in our history. Miami-Dade County is a major global hub for trade and commerce, and strengthening cargo activity will help us rebuild an even stronger, more resilient economy for generations to come. We welcome more container ships to our Port, to do our part to help global trade move and grow jobs and business opportunities here in our community. PortMiami is ready!”
President’s Corner
It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This year more families will be able to see their loved ones on Thanksgiving with the U.S. lifting coronavirus restrictions on travelers from more than 30 countries. Speaking of family, how amazing is this drawing from my 8 year old son Logan? He surprised me with it last week. – Sean Gazitua, President & CEO, WTDC
International passengers returning to MIA and U.S. airports
On Monday, November 8, Miami and the U.S. began welcoming international air passengers who are coronavirus vaccinated from 39 countries including Brazil, China, England, and India. The New York Times reported that 206,990 international passengers traveled to the U.S. on that Monday, an increase of 40,000 passengers over the the 2020 daily average.
Miami Today: Bookings soaring with return of international travelers
NYT: More than 200,000 people flew to the U.S. on Monday under new rules.
Cruises to benefit from return of international travelers too
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) celebrated the return of international passengers on Twitter with a reminder that 2.5 million international passengers cruise from the U.S. annually.
Florida lawmakers introduce legislation with incentives to divert vessels to Florida ports
Last week Florida Senator Rick Scott and Representative Carlos Gimenez introduced legislation that would redirect unused funds from the CARES act into grants to incentivize vessel owners to redirect their cargo vessels from California ports to Florida ports.
American Shipper: US senator proposes $125M in grants to reroute container ships
Pajama Drive for His House
Our first pajamas donation arrived by mail last week! Join WTDC in our 7th annual Pajama Drive for His House Children’s Home. Until December 17, we will be collecting new boys and girls Youth Size Small to XL and boys and girls adult sizes X-Small to XL. Donations can be dropped off to WTDC Suite 217, WTDC Customer Service office in the warehouse, or list Ginger Diez/PJ Drive with WTDC address for mailed donations.
