PROBLEM: Confusion among citizens and river businesses as to which agency to contact to report problems and suspicious activities, or to obtain information about river programs, events, status.

The Miami River has 36 federal, state and local agencies with jurisdiction over it. Often when individuals contact an agency to report a problem, they are unclear if, in fact, they have reached the correct agency. When that experience routes them through a half dozen phone calls to report a particular violation, they often give up. Those that do succeed in identifying the correct agency are rarely informed about follow-up actions taken. The resultant frustration deters voluntary reporting. Additionally, because of limited staffing resources, agencies need timely information about infractions as they occur in order to respond effectively.

SOLUTION: The Miami River Hotline.

Resulting from the Quality Action Team's research and investigation, an experienced agency, Switchboard of Miami, Inc., was identified as being qualified and capable of resolving the confusing referral system. The QAT determined that Switchboard of Miami could provide a 24 hour trilingual point of contact for the public to report any problems within the jurisdiction of the 36 agencies along the Miami River, including problems as diverse as health hazards, illegal dumping, criminal activity or dock rights.

Additionally, monthly reports produced from Switchboard's database could provide accountability for each agency, and privy anonymous callers to what follow-up actions are taken. A marketing campaign to create awareness of the Miami River Hotline also falls under the expertise of Switchboard of Miami.

The initial cash layout for establishing the computer database and training was estimated at $50,235 for the first year, with an additional $26,278 for maintenance in the second and third years. Switchboard of Miami agreed to provide an in-kind match for three years in the amount of $45,530, provided the capital outlay could be found.

Through the leadership of Captain David F. Miller, USCG - MSO, the Quality Action Team approached the Miami River Study Commission and advocated for the $50,235 needed to establish the Hotline, and an additional $26,278 to carry it through its second year. The appropriation was approved by the Miami River Study Commission which finished its work February 1, 1998. Funding will be delivered through a contract with the South Florida Water Management District. The Miami River Hotline will be functional by March 1, 1998.

Proposed Future Developments

The success of the Miami River Quality Action Team has inspired ideas for other river related public-private partnerships. While the QAT recognizes that not every proposed future development for the river will come to fruition, it supports the idea that the community discussion arising from such proposals is, in general, good for the river. The offer from a private developer, Swire Properties, to place a Miami Marine Patrol station in a private marina located near the mouth of the river represents one such proposal. In the interim, the Miami Marine Patrol will temporarily relocate from Bayside to Watson Island where it will have close proximity to the river.

Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997 - The Miami River Alliance

The Quality Action Team was contacted by Senator Bob Graham's office and notified about new federal legislation, the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, which will distribute federal funding for programs to reduce substance abuse among youth in communities. The QAT formed a subcommittee to pursue funding for such programs and to investigate utilization of this funding for Miami River projects.

The QAT subcommittee established a coalition, the Miami River Alliance, which includes: elected officials, businesses, parents, media, schools, organizations serving youth, law enforcement, civic and volunteers organizations, health care professionals, and religious and fraternal organizations.

The Miami River Alliance will apply for a grant for programs for youth in riverside parks. The 1998 grant application will be directed toward programs in Jose Marti Park and Lummus Park. In subsequent years, funding will be sought for other river community parks. The funding request will include more police in the area to make parks safe and special programs for youth.

The newly established Miami River Hotline will serve as the information center for residents interested in river park programs and public events, and for reporting of problems in neighborhoods.

Phone: (305) 637-7977
Fax: (305) 637-7949
Email: [email protected]