Even after the Miami River is eventually dredged, the QAT will continue to play an important role in keeping the River clean by reporting problem areas and supervising the work of the Miami River Hotline. The QAT will encourage greater promotion and utilization of the hotline number along the riverside as a source to report dumping and bulky trash problems. PROBLEM: Concern over the "gentrification" of the working River and the subsequent loss of marine facilities has escalated as downtown development posits greater non-water dependent land use along the River. SOLUTION: Continue to emphasize the importance of marine industry in the QAT Annual Report, address concerns to the MRC's Economic Development Committee, work toward developing a defined area of protective zoning for the cargo industry, and explore options for preserving the total number of existing marinas and terminals. The working River has experienced greater appreciation in recent years from resident observers, downtown workers and people enjoying riverside dining and entertainment. Despite this appreciation, however, the push toward redevelopment of the downtown area has meant that long-standing terminal locations are in jeopardy of being sacrificed ­ sometimes for higher community use, and sometimes for the convenience of development. By working to support the marine industry on the River and demonstrating publicly its economic value, the QAT will create a favorable climate for the marine industry's long-term survival.

Industry Spotlight: Revenge Marine, Inc. Revenge Marine occupied the old Allied Marine shipyard on the South Fork of the Miami River in October 1998. This 8.5-acre facility, which had lain vacant for more than six years, now serves as Revenge Marine's headquarters, housing production of Egret flats fishing boats and Blackfin sportfishing yachts, as well as a full-service marine yard. The company has received approval for a $9.6 million Industrial Revenue Bond, which will be used to build a new, 120,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art production building. These funds will also be used to complete almost one million dollars of renovation to nine existing buildings. Revenge Marine projects significant growth, adding 250 new jobs to the Miami-Dade area by 2002. FY/1998-99 Operating Revenues: $6,588,677 Full-time Employees: 55 Annual Payroll : $2,288,000 Value of Physical Plant: $700,000 Property Taxes: $132,000 In April of 1999, Revenge Marine, Inc., christened and launched the first Blackfin sportfishing yacht completed off its new production line.

Boatyard & Commercial Marina Viability

There are currently seven marine repair plants on Miami River waterfronts that handle oceangoing vessels, tugs, towboats and small craft of various types. October 1998 saw the addition of a significant new boatyard and commercial facility at Revenge Marine, Inc., occupying the previously abandoned Allied Marine Shipyard on the South Fork of the Miami River. (See Industry Spotlight.)

At the west end of the River's North Fork, one of the oldest commercial facilities, Jonesport Miami, also offers a full service shipyard on more than 1,200 feet of bulkhead waterfront. A large machine shop meets the needs of coastal freighters, tugs, barges, patrol craft and Coast Guard cutters. Two floating dry docks handle haul-out capacities of 1,600 and 859 long tons each. In recent years, a total of 76 of the world's most elegant megayachts worth millions of dollars have been repaired on the Jones floating dry docks.

Located at 12th Avenue, the Merrill Stevens boatyard reports revenue of $10.7 million in 1998, up $2.5 million from the previous year. Industry executives describe 1998 as one of the best years in the history of the boatyard since its establishment in 1923.

Merrill Stevens' market splits between 20% commercial workboat activity, with the remaining 80% devoted to privately owned luxury vessels ranging between 30 and 200 feet.
Bridges: The Critical Link

PROBLEM: Both commercial vessel operators and recreational boaters report bridge operations as a problem on the Miami River. Additionally, downtown traffic is sometimes backlogged and delayed by bridge openings which may be unnecessary.

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