REP. CURBELO ON THE INCLUSION OF EVERGLADES AND KEYS FUNDING IN FY16 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS BILL
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 1, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, the House passed H.R. 2028, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016. Rep. Curbelo (FL-26) issued the following statement in support of this important legislation:
“The FY2016 Energy and Water Appropriations bill is a step in the right direction to ensuring that environmental clean-up and energy programs expand and thrive throughout the country. The bill totals $35.4 billion, $1.2 billion above the FY2015 enacted level. In addition to growing our nation’s “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, this bill provides funding for flood prevention, nuclear security, and science research.
I am pleased to report that for the first time in five years, this House bill includes funding for the Environmental Infrastructure account at $10 million. This money benefits such projects as the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program (FKWQIP), which provides critical infrastructure support to wastewater treatment systems in the Keys. FKWQIP also protects the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and ensures water quality standards are met to provide safe drinking water for South Florida.
In addition, H.R. 2028 includes robust funding at $123 million for ongoing restoration projects in Everglades National Park. Protecting the Everglades, one of our country’s greatest natural treasures, is crucial to the environmental health of South Florida. I am proud to support this bill, which provides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the tools necessary to continue construction projects that will further protect this delicate ecosystem.”
H.R. 2028 passed the House on May 1, 2015 by a vote of 240-177. To view a South Florida Congressional Delegation letter led by Rep. Curbelo to the Army Corps of Engineers in support of FKWQIP, click here. To view a letter to Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson in support of Everglades restoration, click here.
