Diaz-Balart Successful in Fully Funding Everglades Restoration in FY16 Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 1, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), founder and co-chair of the Congressional Everglades Caucus and chair of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations, released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 2028, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2016.
“The FY16 Energy and Water Appropriations bill provides for our nation’s waterways and energy infrastructure. As Floridians, we are lucky to have the Everglades in our backyard, and we must do everything we can to restore it to its natural state for future generations. This bill is significant to Florida, not only because of the Everglades restoration components, but it will improve our ports, channels, dams, and other infrastructure that supports our economy. Furthermore, Everglades restoration is critical for our drinking water supply in South Florida, while also providing a huge economic boost to our state. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have worked tirelessly with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to include full funding to restore the Everglades in this legislation, and I am very pleased with its passage.
“I am grateful to Chairman Simpson for his leadership on this bill, and most importantly, for helping continue the preservation of one of our nation’s greatest natural treasures.”
Diaz-Balart founded the Congressional Everglades Caucus in 2005 with Congressman Alcee Hastings to provide a strong voice in Washington to advocate for these issues and increase awareness. Within the FY16 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, the following are specific to South Florida:
$64 million for the Herbert Hoover Dike repair and restoration
$123 million for Everglades restoration and construction projects for the Army Corps of Engineers
$7 million for operation and maintenance of Army Corps of Engineers Projects
