Miami's Underdeck in financial limbo after losing federal funds
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A rendering shows the city's vision for the Underdeck. Photo: City of Miami
About one month after the Trump administration pulled $60 million in funding for the Underdeck, local officials remain unsure how — or if — they'll be able to replace that funding.
- "We don't have a plan right now; we're still reeling a bit," Andrew Frey, director of the city of Miami's Department of Real Estate and Asset Management (DREAM), which oversees the project, told Axios.
Why it matters: The loss of federal funding could pose a challenge for the park project's future, as the federal grant covered the majority of the $83 million budget.
- The city ($10 million) and state ($11.5 million) have already committed funding to the project, per Frey.
- In July, the Southeast Overtown Park West CRA and the Omni CRA each pledged $3.5 million, multiple outlets reported.
Catch up quick: Last year, the city of Miami was awarded $60 million for the new park, part of a Biden-era grant program aimed at reconnecting communities by, in part, mitigating highways "that create barriers to community connectivity."
- But the federal government's passing of President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" killed the remaining funding slated for the project.
The big picture: The project, a mile-long linear park in Overtown, is meant to mitigate the division caused by the construction of Interstates 95 and 395 in the 1960s.
- The project is part of the city's "Signature Bridge" project that's elevating I-395, since the park will be built under the highway.
- The Florida Department of Transportation recently pushed back the completion date from 2027 to 2029, multiple outlets reported.
Yes, but: While the overall project is delayed, Frey said the park is still moving forward.
- DREAM was "in the middle of reviewing the 60% construction drawings" when news of the funding broke, he said.
What's next: Now, the department is working to increase current contributions or find new contributors, including the county, which hasn't committed any funding, Frey said.
- "I appreciate different community leaders speaking up and finding solutions, community members as well," he said. "I would hope the community continues to speak out ... to find funding from elsewhere."
In a statement last month, city of Miami Commission Chair Christine King said she remained committed to seeing the project through.
- "We have a strong track record of impactful public–private partnerships coming together for the benefit of our community."