Home Links Riverscapes #1 Riverscapes #2 www.1firstbank.com/fl/en The Working River MRMG Officers The Working River Miami’s historic “working river” origins include generations of trade, transportation and commerce. Today, cargo shipping, boat repair,marine related services and supporting businesses help continue this legacy. Miami River marinas, restaurants, inns, as well as, historic shipyards that provide heavy lift capability where yachts, commercial and government vessels from around the world schedule regular inspections, repairs, paint, repowering and remodeling, all serve residents and visitors from around the globe. The Miami River is a key transit point for goods destined for the islands of the Caribbean and the Atlantic ports of South and Central America. At its busiest, Miami River shallow draft cargo ships make as many as 2000 movements in and out of the river annually, an average of 5 entries or exits a day. Miami River cargo ships call on more than 100 ports throughout the Caribbean basin, Central and South America. The Miami River marine industries generated a $2.9 billion dollar output, $1.5 billion in income, 24,000 related jobs and $136 million in tax revenues to the State of Florida. (Biscayne Bay Economic Study, South Florida Water Management District, February 2005). About Us The Miami River Marine Group (MRMG) is an alliance of shipping terminals, ocean cargo carriers, boatyards, marinas, construction companies, tugboat operators, marine related businesses, individuals and area businesses supporting the Miami River – joined together to create a climate for success and growth for the marine industry and community interests supporting Miami’s 5.5 mile “working river.” Formed in 1988, the MRMG is a Florida not-for-profit trade association, IRS sec. 501(c)6, engaged in marine industry education and public advocacy; community and marine safety and security; public policy development; problem resolution; membership services; and, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Port Security Grant Program/Miami administration. The MRMG has worked with federal, state and local government, the U.S. Military, developers, historic preservationists, environmentalists and neighbors to facilitate the revitalization of the Miami River. The MRMG advocated for the recent Miami River Maintenance Dredging Project—funded by the US Congress, State of Florida, Miami-Dade County, and the City of Miami–kicked off in 2004, and was completed in 2008. This maintenance dredge is a part of a larger plan to improve the river's overall environment and the recreational, commercial and industrial viability of the Miami River's federal navigable channel. The now-deepened channel to 15 feet allows larger recreational, commercial and government vessels to travel the waterway. Cargo ships can be loaded to full capacity, and less dependent on the tidal flow. Early reports reflect that the Port of Miami River ranks fifth largest in shipping volume within the State of Florida. Beginning in 2003 and continuing today, the Miami River Marine Group members have invested in large-scale security initiatives for terminal security improvements and a river-wide surveillance system for terminal operators, the US Coast Guard and law enforcement. Most recently, US Homeland Security grant funding awards have led to advanced security and surveillance equipment, vessel monitoring system and security gatehouses. 5thstmarina.com www.shorelinefuel.com www.EPICmarina.com www.simplymarinas.com www.rmkmerrill-stevens.com www.ebsaryfoundationco.com www.marlins.com www.cliffberryinc.com www.hurricanecovemarine.com Celebrate the Miami River! Click to Get Your "Miami River-Rat" Hat Today. Artwork by: Hank Klein www.bettyk.com