Energy & Water Bill Provides Funds for Florida; Misses Mark on Everglades Restoration
Press Release
Energy & Water Bill Provides Funds for Florida; Misses Mark on Everglades Restoration
U.S. Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) today voted to approve a bill bringing millions to Florida for energy and water projects, including Everglades restoration.
"This provides essential funding for Florida's ports, our Everglades, and other projects critical to our economy and quality of life," said Senator LeMieux. "Included in this measure is $180 million in Everglades funding. While this will help the restoration of the Everglades, it's not enough and it doesn't meet the Federal government's commitment. This represents a $34 million dollar cut for ongoing restoration of the Indian River Lagoon and the Site 1 Impoundment projects. These cuts are a setback to restoration efforts and I will continue to pursue other options for increasing funding in future bills."
BACKGROUND
The Indian River Lagoon South project was authorized by the 2007 Water Resources Development Act (PL 110-114). When implemented, this project will provide protection to the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon estuaries from the periodic surges that race downstream when Lake Okeechobee reaches high levels. This project also would restore a large amount of wetlands, providing natural storage and wildlife habitat. The President requested $22 million for this project.
The purpose of the Site 1 Impoundment project is to supplement water deliveries to the Hillsboro Canal by capturing and storing excess water currently discharged to the Intracoastal Waterway. These supplemental deliveries will reduce demands on Lake Okeechobee and the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. The impoundment pool will also provide groundwater recharge, reduce seepage from adjacent natural areas, and prevent saltwater intrusion by releasing impounded water back to the Hillsboro canal when conditions dictate. Some measure of flood protection may also be provided along with water quality improvements. The President requested $26.5 million for this project.
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