Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14), along with members of the Lee County Commission and South Florida Water Management District, held a press conference at Centennial Park in Fort Myers today on water quality issues in Southwest Florida, including legislation introduced by Mack that will help to improve the quality of the water flowing from Lake Okeechobee down the Caloosahatchee River.

Currently, unnatural surges of nutrient-laden water from Lake Okeechobee that flow down the Caloosahatchee River are harming the fragile ecosystem of the estuaries in the region. The Army Corps of Engineers is currently in the planning stages of developing an above-ground reservoir (the C-43 Basin Storage Reservoir), which will reduce the large surges of water from Lake Okeechobee and restore a healthier water flow to the Caloosahatchee River.

Last week, Mack introduced H.R. 1816, the “Restoring the Caloosahatchee River: A Legacy for Florida” Act in the House of Representatives, which will authorize a water quality component to the C-43 Reservoir project through the construction of conservation areas like marshes to naturally filter nutrients from the water. Mack’s bill has been referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, of which Mack is a member.

Mack said:

“The Caloosahatchee River is the lifeblood of Southwest Florida, and improving the quality water flowing down the river is critical for the long-term health of our unique ecosystem.

“Incorporating a water quality component into the C-43 Reservoir project will further reduce the level of nutrients that flow into the Caloosahatchee River, helping to improve the overall health of the river and the estuaries.”

At the press conference, Mack also highlighted the need for Congress to pass the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which authorizes water infrastructure projects across the country. The bill includes authorization for five projects in Southwest Florida, including shoreline erosion protection, hurricane and storm damage reduction, and water quality improvements for beaches in Lee and Collier counties. Congress has not passed a WRDA bill since 2000.

“The Water Resources Development Act is an important tool in helping our state preserve its sensitive environment and improve water quality. Congress’ failure to pass this legislation in the last six years has created a backlog of water infrastructure projects across the country. It is long past time for Congress to act on this vital legislation,” Mack concluded.

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