The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the “Water Resources Development Act” (WRDA) this week, and both of Florida’s senators think it will boost the Sunshine State.
The “WRDA sets the nationwide strategy and funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civilian projects,” noted U.S. Sen. Rick Scott’s, R-Fla., office this week.
The Senate passed the WRDA on a 93-1 vote, with U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., casting the only vote against it.
“The Water Resources Development Act is the product of years of fighting, both as Florida’s governor and U.S. senator, to ensure our state is treated fairly. As this bill moved through the Senate, Senator Marco Rubio and I fought hard to make sure that this bill finally delivered full funding for Florida from the federal government for both critical infrastructure developments, like dredging at Port Everglades, and environmental projects, like beach re-nourishment and Everglades restoration, that will protect Florida’s environment for generations to come. The 2022 WRDA secures big wins for Florida’s environment and businesses, and today I was proud to support its passage in the U.S. Senate,” Scott said.
Scott pointed to “several measures in the 2022 WRDA” that help Florida, including “authorization for full funding of $920 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete a dredging project which deepens and widens the harbor at Port Everglades…;
additional flexibility in Florida’s cost share agreement with the U.S. Army Corps for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project (CERP) to ensure the federal government is paying its fair share; and full reauthorization for all Florida beach re-nourishment projects.”
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., also backed the proposal, noting it authorizes projects across the state.
“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,” Rubio said. “I appreciate my colleagues’ support for these projects, and I will continue to fight for Florida throughout the conference process.”
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