Miami-Dade commission defers decision on new incinerator
MIAMI - Miami-Dade County officials have voted to postpone a decision on the location of a new Waste-to-Energy incinerator. The commission approved a measure that would take up the issue again in 90 days.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said she supports deferring the decision, citing the need for additional time to explore options beyond rebuilding the incinerator in Doral.
"The reality is that we create a lot of trash, more than double the national average. We need a solution that will keep up with the growing community needs," said Levine Cava.
The deferment came as controversy swirls around the involvement of Eric Trump, son of President-elect Donald Trump, in the decision.
Last month, Levine Cava said because of the cost she thought the new facility should be built in Doral where the previous facility burned down after catching fire in February 2023.
The Doral site is just one of four the county is considering. The other sites are the former Opa-locka West Airport, a tree farm outside of Hialeah Gardens, and a site in Medley.
Trump has lobbied county officials, including Doral Mayor Christi Fraga and District 12 Commissioner J.C. Bermudez, to relocate the incinerator. The Trump Organization owns a golf course and resort in Doral.
Mayor Fraga said she contacted the Trump Organization to oppose rebuilding the incinerator at its current location.
"We had several conversations, and I know they immediately activated their lobbyists to get ahold of the county and start recommending that we look at alternative solutions," said Fraga
"We know of the concern of the Trump Organization," Levine Cava said before the vote. "Seriously, we had already decided that we wanted to take a little more time to explore some other options, so I was able to say, we're open to options."
The Opa-locka Wes Airport site, which is near the Broward County line, has drawn opposition from Miramar.
"Take it back to where it is supposed to be in Doral with Donald Trump, not on this end of town," said one Miramar resident.
The Trump family's involvement has drawn mixed reactions, particularly in Miramar.
"I don't know why they're involved. They're not residents of Miami-Dade as far as I'm concerned," said one man.
Levine Cava said the county is committed to reviewing all options, including alternatives to incineration. The mayor said she's looking at more landfilling as an option, and it could be outsourced - meaning out of the county altogether.
"(What) We're going to look at again is the possibility of more landfilling, not necessarily locally, so we're looking at all options. I think it is appropriate to take a little more time and I believe the commission will be supportive as well," she said.
Levine Cava said they are open to solutions.
