The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners has approved a minimum of $400 million toward the construction of a four-story cargo facility at Miami International Airport (MIA). Scheduled to open by 2029, the 800,000-square-foot facility will be known as the Vertically Integrated Cargo Community (VICC). Officials said that the construction and operation of the project will create 8,500 new temporary jobs, 2,500 permanent jobs, increase the facility’s cargo capacity by at least 50% and earn a minimum of $512 million in rent and business revenue to the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department (MDAD) over its 40-year agreement.
The Board of County Commissioners approved a lease agreement with a private developer, which requires that at least 60% of the project’s construction and design firms be headquartered in Miami-Dade County – and that registered small businesses be hired during all project phases. Officials added that the VICC will also maintain a silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and a silver certification from Global Infrastructure Basel.
“For the past three and a half years, we have prioritized expanding our cargo capacity at MIA and ensuring reliable supply chain access for our residents,” said County Commissioner Raquel Regalado. “Today’s investment is transformative for Miami-Dade County. The VICC will significantly enhance our airport’s cargo capabilities and establish a new benchmark for sustainable, resilient infrastructure. I am proud to support this visionary project, which will drive economic growth and solidify Miami-Dade’s position as a global hub for commerce.”
“The VICC is one of the many historic investments being made at MIA to modernize and transform every facet of our operations, including everything from maintenance upgrades and renovations in our terminal to the construction of a new parking garage, four-star hotel, and expanded concourses,” added MIA director and CEO Ralph Cutié. “In total, nearly $9 billion in capital improvements and upgrades are scheduled for completion over the next 10 years, with the goal of elevating MIA’s position among the premier airports in the world.”
