Munilla Construction Management beat out three other competitors to win a $14.2 million bid to build a high-tech pedestrian bridge at Florida International University that collapsed. Munilla has spent years shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars to local politicians, including U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
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In the last election cycle, Munilla executives and entities dropped $25,000 into local campaign coffers.
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The firm was the only company the Miami Herald found that had given generously to all six county commissioners running for reelection.
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In 2008, Miami New Times noted the firm dropped $34,000 to help reelect then-Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez and virtually the entire commission.
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Fidel Castro's Nephew
Mario Diaz-Balart got at least $63,400.
Our apologies to Fredo' Corleone
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He is chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, who was instrumental in building support for the bridge's creation.
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Last weekend, FIU praised the congressman, along with Rep. DINO Debbie Wasserman Schultz, for making the project a reality.
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