Help Wanted Sign Out At Port Tunnel
MIAMI (CBS4) - The drive across the MacArthur Causeway from downtown Miami Monday revealed bulldozers pushing earth around on Watson Island below, and dozens of new jobs - people at work on the ambitious Port of Miami Tunnel project that will link the mainland to the Port of Miami.
Off to the side of the earth movers and cranes, city officials and project managers unveiled a program aimed at making sure local companies get contracts and local workers get jobs on the billion dollar tunnel project.
The program is dubbed "Operation305," referencing the local area code and the commitment to keep the work local as much as possible.
"The community is going to keep us honest," said Christopher Hodgkins, vice-president of the consortium coordinating the tunnel project. "We have made a moral commitment that we are going to hire local. Right now, out of 127 people, 90 are local."
The tunnel undertaking, financed with federal, state and local funds, is expected to see more than 400 people hired to work directly for the project managers, and more than 2,000 employed by sub-contractors. Jobs that will be available range from the menial to highly skilled, highly paid positions.
"We have all ranges; we need flagmen to direct traffic," Hodgkins said. "And we just hired a bridge superintendent that pays $92,000 a year."
Demetra Vicks was among those working a new job on the site Monday. She wore an orange vest, directing construction vehicles at a three-way intersection.
"It means a lot to me and my family now. I was laid off and now I have a job, and I'm thankful for that," Vicks said, waving a dump truck through.
Michael Hughes, an unemployed inner-city resident and high school graduate, was among those invited by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to attend the news conference and hear of possible opportunities.
"I'm willing to work, willing to do anything," said Hughes. "It's tough out there, living in Miami. It's tough."
Miami City Commissioner Richard Dunn said the CRA, which is kicking in $50 million toward the tunnel project, will work to see that those who live in the area know of the job prospects.
"We'll strive to make sure the people in the district are among those who benefit from the employment," Dunn said.
In a town where unemployment is about 14 percent, a project like the tunnel could provide some with not just a job, but a move up.
"I have a job that I work," said Twyla Sawyer, "But I'm looking for something better."
The tunnel gives hometown companies a chance to put more hometown people to work, and no company is too big - or too small.
"You just need to have a company in the 305 area code," said Miami City Commission Chairman Marc Sarnoff. "You need a pick-up truck, literally. A lot of this stuff is about having a pick-up truck and being able to deliver goods back and forth."
Project managers have organized an exposition for November 19th at the Doubletree Grand on Biscayne Bay where local companies - large and small - can get information on contracts that will be available on the port project and how to quality and apply for them. Information and registration for the expo is available by clicking here.
Additional information for prospective contractors, vendors and workers is also available by clicking here. The site includes information for job-seekers on how to submit resumes and apply on-line. It also has addresses and hours where applicants can interview in person.
