The Infrastructure Summit 2024, organized by the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce in Florida with the support of Sacyr as presenting sponsor, convened today in Miami, gathering influential figures in the infrastructure sector to examine the evolving needs and growth opportunities in the U.S. and Caribbean markets. Opening the event, Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, emphasized the importance of collaboration in regional infrastructure planning.

With leaders from construction, urban development, and project financing, the summit featured 4 panels, each providing a deep dive into ongoing projects, financing strategies, and the role of new technologies in infrastructure. Held at the offices of Holland & Knight, the event underscored Florida’s increasing significance in the U.S. infrastructure landscape. With the state’s population projected to grow by approximately 1,000 residents per day over the next 30 years, speakers emphasized the critical need for coordinated state and federal efforts to support large-scale infrastructure investments that can meet the demands of future growth.

Reflecting on the importance of bringing industry leaders together, Juan Carlos Pereira, CEO of the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce, stated, “We are thrilled to be the platform that brings these essential conversations in a friendly enviroment for key players to discuss about challenges and opportunities. This summit offers a unique opportunity to explore trends in construction and infrastructure, with the presence of prominent authorities and organizations that shape the landscape of our industry.”

Panel 1: Infrastructure Projects in the Caribbean

The first panel focused on large-scale infrastructure projects underway in the Caribbean, particularly in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Panelists David Álvarez, R Resident Advisor at U.S. Department of the Treasury, Luis G. Fortuño (Partner at Reed Smith LLP, former Governor of Puerto Rico, and a former member of Congress), Fermín Fontanés (Executive Director, Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority), David Alvarez (Resident Advisor for Infrastructure Finance for the U.S. Department of the Treasury assisting Ecuador) and Norberto Quintana (Partner at Holland & Knight) as moderator, examined how public-private partnerships (PPPs) are accelerating infrastructure projects in the region. The session highlighted the role of these partnerships in driving modernization and economic growth, showcasing successful examples and discussing potential opportunities for investors in these emerging markets.

Panel 2: Miami-Dade and Broward Counties – Future Plans

Moderated by Hugo P. Arza, Partner at Holland & Knight, this panel highlighted major infrastructure projects in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, establishing these areas as significant contributors to U.S. infrastructure development. Panelists Ana M. Finol (Assistant Director, Miami International Airport), Monica Cepero (County Administrator, Broward County), Mike Pacitto (Assistant Director, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport), and Stacy Miller (District Secretary, FDOT) discussed the collaborative efforts driving these initiatives.

Stacy Miller presented FDOT’s $4.1 billion infrastructure plan for Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties for FY 2025-2029, covering critical assets including 700 centerline miles of roadways, 645 bridges, 44 aviation facilities, and 2 deep water ports. In Broward County, Monica Cepero emphasized the Premium Mobility (PREMO) Program, which includes the Broward Commuter Rail South Project and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services. Mike Pacitto added that Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is undergoing significant upgrades to meet increased demand, with projects focused on terminal expansion and improved passenger facilities. Together, these projects reflect a comprehensive approach to enhance transit, airport capacity, and regional connectivity, preparing South Florida for sustained growth and economic resilience.

Casy Study: Collaborative Delivery Models (CDMs)

The agenda included a case study on Collaborative Delivery Models (CDMs), presented by Rodrigo Mascaro, Senior VP at AECOM. This approach, originating in UK and Australia and gaining traction across Europe and the U.S., is designed to address the unique complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects. CDMs emphasize early and integrated collaboration between clients, contractors, and designers to streamline project delivery and improve outcomes.

Panel 3: Innovation & Emerging Technologies in Infrastructure

The panel on innovation and emerging technologies, moderated by Alice Bravo, President of Alice Bravo & Associates, brought together industry leaders to discuss the role of advanced technologies and sustainable practices in reshaping infrastructure. Jose Quina, Senior VP at Sener, presented the versatile Hypogea© System, an automated pitch changeover technology that preserves natural grass by retracting the playing field when not in use. Originally developed as a solution for Real Madrid CF’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the system adapts to different stadium configurations and supports various turf types, including natural and hybrid.

Nicolas Morris, Regional Leader LATAM at AECOM, introduced AECOM’s Sustainable Legacies initiative, emphasizing the importance of rethinking infrastructure planning and delivery to address global challenges like climate change and social inequality. Juan Restrepo, Senior Principal and Major Projects Area Manager for U.S. South at Stantec, discussed the implementation of emerging technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), IoT, and drones to improve project efficiency, resilience, and safety. Additionally, the panel highlighted the value of AI, VR, and augmented reality in enhancing design accuracy and stakeholder engagement, paving the way for adaptable and environmentally responsible infrastructure.

Panel 4: Financing Infrastructure Projects

The event concluded with a panel on financing infrastructure, moderated by Cesar Díaz Plaza Pérez, KPMG’s Infrastructure Director and Global Road Sector Lead. Eduardo De Lara, Managing Director at Sacyr Concesiones, emphasized the importance of adapting strategies locally, sharing Sacyr’s approach to tailoring public-private partnerships (PPPs) to U.S. conditions. Joining him, Ben Djiounas, Managing Director at JP Morgan; Christopher Elmore, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs; and Hector Morales, Managing Director and Chairman for Latin America at Macquarie Capital, discussed innovative funding models that blend public investment with private capital to meet the demands of complex infrastructure projects. They emphasized that, despite the uncertainties introduced by fluctuating interest rates and election cycles, infrastructure remains an essential investment that drives economic stability. Projects with 40-year financing terms, they noted, are inherently resilient, transcending short-term volatility.

The panel underscored that the largest challenge in infrastructure financing may stem not from market volatility but from the need to address local tax structures and regulatory considerations. However, the overall sentiment remained optimistic: infrastructure investment will continue to play a central role in economic growth, encouraging further innovation and partnerships to meet future demands.

Sacyr’s U.S. Expansion and Landmark Project in Louisiana

Since entering the U.S. market in 2018, Sacyr has completed 14 projects across Florida and Texas and is currently operating a P3 contract at the University of Idaho, steadily building a strong portfolio and expanding its presence in the region. At the summit, Eduardo de Lara, highlighted the company’s recent achievement in securing financial close on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project in Louisiana, Sacyr’s first transportation infrastructure public-private partnership (PPP) in the United States.

Developed in partnership with Plenary Americas and ACCIONA, the project calls for US$3.37 billion of initial investment and a construction budget of US$2.27 billion. The financing amounts to  US$1.33 billion of Private Activity Bonds (PABs) and has earned a Baa3 rating from Moody’s. The project involves replacing an outdated bridge with a modern structure designed to meet Louisiana’s future transportation needs, reflecting Sacyr’s commitment to resilient, transformative infrastructure in the U.S. market. “The I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project represents a significant milestone for Sacyr as we expand our infrastructure portfolio in North America,” noted De Lara. “This project underscores our commitment to sustainable, transformative infrastructure that meets today’s needs while building resilience for future generations.” Set to begin construction in 2026 and scheduled for completion by 2031, the project embodies Sacyr’s long-term vision and dedication to delivering innovative infrastructure solutions in the United States.For more information on the Infrastructure Summit 2024, please contact Ana Lluch, Head of Marketing at Spain-US Chamber of Commerce at all@spainchamber.org or  +1 305 358 5988