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Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Ron Klein (FL-22) Thursday night voted in favor of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which provides millions of dollars for water-related projects across the country, including significant funding for Everglades restoration, shoreline projects, and other water-related projects environmental restoration hurricane storm damage reduction projects throughout South Florida.
The bill, which passed the House of Representatives Thursday, will now go to the Senate for approval.
“The House passage of the Water Resources Development Act brings us one step closer toward providing the resources we need to protect our beaches and shorelines, and continuing our Everglades restoration efforts,” said Klein. “Not only are our beaches and the Everglades enjoyed by those of us fortunate enough to live in South Florida, but they are an important part of our economy because they attract tens of thousands of tourists every year. I am grateful my colleagues agree with me that investing in protecting and preserving our environment and natural resources is one of our top priorities.
“To south Florida’s detriment, past Congresses have failed to reauthorize the Water Resources Development Act. I am proud to report that a new Congress has brought us one step closer toward improving our beaches and harbors, and restoring the Everglades.
“In particular, the passage of this bill will help to ensure that the federal government begins to fulfill its end of the cost-sharing agreement with the State for Everglades restoration. Since 2000, Congress has failed to reauthorize this bill, thereby leaving critical Everglades projects without federal funding. To its credit, Florida has continued to fund Everglades projects. The federal government must step up to the plate.
“While this bill is an important step in the right direction, there is much work that needs to be done to get the Everglades and our beaches in the condition they should be in. In the weeks and months ahead, I will continue to fight for these additional resources.”
The WRDA bill contains the following South Florida projects:
Broward County Water Preserve Areas Project (Sec. 6003): Would update the estimated cost of the project and authorize the Army Corps to expedite its planning. Because of its inclusion in WRDA, this project could be the first Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project (CERP) that the Army Corps would break ground.
Hillsboro and Okeechobee Aquifer (Sec. 6001): Would authorize $39.2 million to account for the increased cost of the Hillsboro and Okeechobee Aquifers, which are water storage facilities important to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.
Broward County and Hillsboro Inlet (Sec. 3032): Would ensure that the Army Corps of Engineers reimburses Broward County for the up-front beach restoration work of 10.1 acres in Broward County.
Harbor Cost Sharing (SEC. 2002): Would significantly increase federal funding as the County moves forward on a large-scale project to widen and deepen Port Everglades to accommodate a newer class of vessels.
Peanut Island (Sec. 3038.): Would increase the federal contribution toward the restoration of Peanut Island, from $5 million to $9.7 million. This project includes environmental restoration and enhancement as well as the addition of recreational amenities to Peanut Island.
Lake Worth (Sec. 5056): Would authorize $9 million for the Army Corps of Engineers to repair the Lake Worth seawall, which has seriously deteriorated and poses a safety risk for residents there. | 
