Everglades Funding Included in WRDA Bill

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart has just released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA).

“As Co-Chair of the Everglades Caucus, I worked with my colleagues to ensure inclusion of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP), keeping critical Everglades restoration and preservation projects on track,” he said.

“The Picayune Strand restoration project was also included, assisting with water flow throughout Southwest Florida and benefiting wildlife habitats and the local ecosystem. Additionally, Port Everglades will be deepened, bringing more jobs and commerce to South Florida, while expanding one of our busiest ports to accommodate more cruise and cargo ships,” he added.

The Water Resources Development Act of 2016 includes the following items that directly impact South Florida:

• $976 million for the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP), a part of the Central Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP);
• $308 million for Picayune Strand restoration project water flow upgrades;
• $220 million for Port Everglades dredging.