2008-10-01 03:36:01 -

www.mdxway.com - The results of a study conducted by The Washington Economics Group, Inc. (WEG) estimates that the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority's (MDX) planned transportation investments for the remainder of 2008 will increase the total economic output of Miami-Dade County by $303 million.

At the request of MDX's board of directors, the economic impact study was conducted on the agency's

planned transportation investments. According to the results announced at MDX's monthly board meeting, an estimated $184 million in construction contracts will be awarded by the end of 2008. The planned construction will generate 2,658 new jobs in the local community, resulting in $119 million of additional labor income for Miami-Dade employees.

"MDX's investments in the county's transportation infrastructure are important generators of financial opportunities for our residents, especially during this difficult economic time," said MDX Executive Director Javier Rodriguez, P.E. "In addition to improving our transportation system, we are helping to stimulate our local economy."

Approximately two-thirds of the jobs and revenue that will be generated will occur within the construction sector, which has been the hardest hit sector in the current economic environment. The other third occurs throughout all sectors of the county's economy.

"The MDX infrastructure investments improve the ability of Miami-Dade County to compete in the global marketplace by facilitating the efficient delivery of goods and services to consumers," said economist and WEG Chairman J. Antonio Villamil. "Furthermore, by reinvesting toll proceeds into the local economy, MDX generates important and positive impacts on jobs, labor income, economic output and fiscal revenues."

About MDX

MDX is a state sanctioned, locally administered, public agency created in 1994 by the State of Florida and the Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County. MDX is governed by its Board, comprised of 13 volunteer members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and the Governor of the State of Florida. MDX oversees, operates and maintains five expressways: State Road 836 (the Dolphin Expressway), State Road 112 (the Airport Expressway), State Road 874 (Don Shula Expressway), State Road 878 (Snapper Creek Expressway) and State Road 924 (Gratigny Parkway). MDX is funded almost entirely by toll revenues and is dedicated to the enhancement of mobility in Miami-Dade County. For more information on MDX visit the website at www.mdxway.com.

Miami-Dade Expressway Authority
Cindy Polo-Serantes, 305-637-3277 x 2209
cpolo@mdxway.com