Rep. Deutch Lauds Passage of Water Bill to Fund Everglades Restoration and Port Everglades Expansion

Statement

Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) released the following statement following passage of the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA), legislation that includes crucial funding for the vital South Florida projects of Port Everglades expansion and fulfilling the federal government's commitment to the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP).

"This is a major step forward for all of South Florida," said Rep. Deutch. "Funding for Everglades restoration and Port Everglades expansion will positively impact our economy, environment, and quality of life, and I am proud to have supported these crucial parts of this legislation. The Everglades are an important part of our region's identity, and this bill will help restore this unique ecosystem and beloved National Park and World Heritage Site to its natural flow and quality and help mitigate the harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee. This bill will also fund the expansion of Port Everglades, helping this important economic driver of our region to grow in trade operations and cruise traffic. The Port and the Everglades are central to our South Florida economy, culture, and ecology, and I am also proud that the U.S. House recognized their importance to our nation today."

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