Government Cut facts for kids
Government Cut is a waterway created by people. It connects Miami Beach and Fisher Island. This special channel helps ships get to the Port of Miami in Miami, Florida more easily.
Before Government Cut was built, Miami Beach and Fisher Island were connected. Ships going to the port had to travel all the way around Cape Florida. This was a long trip south of Key Biscayne.
The U.S. government approved building the cut in 1905. This is why it's called "Government Cut." It created a direct path from the Atlantic Ocean to the port on Biscayne Bay. This meant ships no longer had to take the long way around. Digging this channel also separated Fisher Island from the mainland. Today, the famous South Beach is just north of this cut.
Contents
How It Was Built
Planning and Approval
The idea for Government Cut was approved by the U.S. Congress in 1902. This meant the U.S. government gave permission for the project. The plan was officially approved on June 13, 1902.
Digging the Channel
Work on the channel started in 1903. Large machines began to dredge the area. Dredging means digging up sand and mud from the bottom of the ocean or a river. This makes the water deep enough for big ships. The digging finished in the summer of 1905.
The sand and mud that was dug up, called "fill," was used for other things. It helped make Fisher Island bigger. Later, more dredging made the channel wider and deeper. This extra fill also helped create more land for the Port of Miami. It even formed the base for part of the MacArthur Causeway, a major road.
How It Works Today
Who Manages the Cut
Several government groups work together to manage Government Cut. Each group has a different job to make sure the channel works well and is safe.
- The Port of Miami is in charge of guiding ships. They make sure ships can move safely through the channel.
- The United States Coast Guard keeps everyone safe and secure. They watch over the channel to prevent problems.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers takes care of the channel itself. This includes doing more dredging when needed to keep it deep enough.
Interesting Facts
Government Cut is an important spot for measuring ocean tides in Miami. Tide information for this area helps ships know how deep the water is. The next closest place to get tide information on the mainland is much farther north, at Jupiter Inlet.
Notable Events
Government Cut has been the site of some important events.
On December 19, 2005, a seaplane crashed just offshore from Government Cut. This accident temporarily closed the channel. It meant that large cargo ships and cruise ships could not pass through for a while.
On September 25, 2016, a boating accident happened at Government Cut. The boat hit the jetty, which is a wall built into the water, and turned over.
