News

The Senate-passed Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (H.R.7776) contains critical provisions to strengthen Florida’s water resources infrastructure. 

• “These are important projects that will restore the Everglades, improve coastal storm resilience, and improve Florida’s ports. New Army Corps research programs will also help our coastal communities prepare for and mitigate harmful algal blooms.

• “I appreciate my colleagues’ support for these projects, and I will continue to fight for Florida throughout the conference process.” – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio

Want more? A detailed list of Florida-related WRDA 2022 provisions secured by Senators Rubio and Rick Scott is below: 
 
Project Authorizations:

• Florida Keys, Monroe County, FL Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Project
• Okaloosa County, FL Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Project
• Pinellas County, FL Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Project
• Indian River Lagoon-South (CERP) Post-Authorization Change Report

Expedited Project Documents – Congress urges the expedited completion of ongoing feasibility studies for:

• Port Everglades Post Authorization Change Report
• Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project (LOWRP)
• Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP)

Policy Changes & Improvements:

• Central Everglades Restoration Project (CERP) Cost-Share Reform – to preserve the integrity of the CERP balance sheet and protect the program from delays.
• South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER) Task Force Reform
• Explicit Authorization of a Comprehensive Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Flood Control Project Restudy

Related … Everglades restoration has been one of Rubio’s top priorities since he took office. In 2021, the New York Times editorial board characterized Rubio as “the national park’s most vigorous champion in the Senate.”