The St. Lucie and Indian River Lagoon are vital to the Treasure Coast and their health and well-being has been one of Congressman Murphy's top priorities. As a native Floridian, he has long understood the importance of protecting our environment and the role it plays in our future, our economy, and our entire way of life. Since his first days in office, he has had countless meetings in the district and D.C. with everyone from community activists to the head of the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss not only the problems, but the solutions, both short-term and long-term, that can only come from mutual understanding of the problem and cooperation of local, state, and federal entities.
On October 3rd, he held an historic bipartisan Congressional briefing on issues affecting the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers, bringing national attention to the issue of toxic waters that have been plaguing the Treasure Coast with over 100 members of the community and over 20 Members of Congress participating. To find out more about this briefing, click here.
In addition to the briefing, Congressman Murphy has been continuously advocating for both long-term and short-term solutions to address this ongoing crisis, such as:
The bill also included a Murphy amendment to provide additional funding for the Army Corps construction account that could help other vital ongoing projects that would benefit local waterways, such as the Kissimmee River Project, moving forward more expeditiously.
Including language in the FY15 Agriculture Appropriations bill that will help the state of Florida leverage more funds for water storage projects that will help keep more water out of our waterways.
Working with the South Florida Water Management District to find alternative water storage south of the lake.
Supporting municipal and county efforts to upgrade storm water systems.
Advocating for coastal restoration and estuary maintenance funding.
Supporting local scientists who study and monitor water quality levels and research specific sources of pollution.
Assisting in the construction of oyster reefs to help filter water in the Indian River Lagoon.
What YOU can do to help:
Keep speaking out about the importance of completing the plan for Everglades restoration.
Contact your state and local officials about the importance of ordinances regulating run-off, funding for Everglades restoration projects, and holding water in a multitude of storage areas.
Inspect your septic system annually and have it pumped out at least once every three years.
Follow local fertilizer rules, which you can find on the county government websites for St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach counties.