The City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (Omni CRA) Board of Commissioners passed a unanimous motion late last week to release $2 million for the environmental remediation of the eight-acre site at Museum Park where the new Miami Science Museum (MiaSci) and Miami Art Museum will be constructed. This is an extremely important step forward for MiaSci and means that work on the site should start within the next few weeks with the goal of finalizing the process by the fall.

Dan Bell, co-chair of the Miami Science Museum board of trustees believes the economic impact of Museum Park factored into the positive Omni CRA vote. “The City of Miami and Miami-Dade County understand the importance of fast-tracking the development of Museum Park,” said Mr. Bell. “In addition to providing our community with world-class venues for arts, culture, and science exploration, Museum Park will stimulate much needed job creation and economic growth in our urban core.”

Once home to the Port of Miami and oil storage tanks, Museum Park’s bay front parcel of land must be tested and cleared of any possible environmental contamination before construction can be started. The remediation agreement will provide for the environmental site assessment and corresponding site rehabilitation of Museum Park.

The new MiaSci is moving ahead rapidly! With the support of the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County and the community, the new Museum is on track to be a one-of-a-kind facility, inspiring its visitors to learn, share and embrace science and technology.