Following Hurricane Milton’s catastrophic landfall, Governor Ron DeSantis has requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration to support Florida's response and recovery efforts. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and members...
Following Hurricane Milton’s catastrophic landfall in Florida, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined the U.S. Coast Guard to survey impacted areas across the State. Photos are courtesy of Senator Rubio’s office. Senator Rubio joins the U.S. Coast Guard for a flyover...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) office will host in-person Mobile Office Hours next week to assist constituents with federal casework issues in their respective local communities. These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to one of Senator Rubio’s...
Major Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida, bringing with it devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. The Seminole Tribe of Florida should have access to the federal resources required for emergency response and recovery preparations on...
Major Hurricane Milton is forecasted to potentially hinder or obstruct the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida’s petroleum products. It’s crucial for the federal government to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida’s economy...
Major Hurricane Milton is forecasted to impact Florida with devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. After just being hit by Hurricane Helene, it’s crucial for the State of Florida to have the support of the federal government. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio...
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) yesterday introduced an amendment to the latest FY19 Minibus appropriations package (H.R. 6147) currently being considered by the full Senate to secure funding for agencies working to address harmful algal blooms throughout Florida and the nation. The amendment would ensure a minimum of $5 million for the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the human health impacts of exposure to harmful algal toxins, and to develop innovative methods to monitor, characterize, and predict blooms for early action. Additionally, the amendment would ensure that the U.S. Geological Survey receives a minimum of $200,000 to help understand the mechanisms that result in the presence of toxins in harmful algal blooms.
“Harmful algal blooms are a growing problem throughout our nation,” Rubio said. “I am focused on solving South Florida’s algae crisis by working to complete key Everglades restoration projects to reduce Lake Okeechobee discharges, as well as to increase investments in other water infrastructure projects that will improve water quality throughout our state. This amendment ensures that the federal government upholds its responsibilities to understand the potential health impacts on communities affected by Lake Okeechobee discharges as we continue to pursue long-term solutions.”
Background:
· Yesterday, Rubio called the delays in Everglades and Lake Okeechobee projects unacceptable and urged the Army Corps of Engineers to work with the South Florida Water Management District, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, to reassess the prioritization of restoration projects across the system, and to shorten key project delivery timelines.
· Following his June request, Rubio welcomed an announcement by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that it had approved the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) Post-Authorization Change Report (PACR), allowing Congress to consider authorizing construction of the Everglades Agricultural Area Storage Reservoir to reduce Lake Okeechobee discharges to coastal communities.
· Earlier this month, Rubio also requested that President Trump have the Corps delay scheduled discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers, as well as double Everglades restoration funding beginning with his fiscal year 2020 budget request to Congress.
An extended list of Rubio’s efforts can be found here.