New Florida funding passes US House; $50 million for water and wastewater infrastructure in Orange County

Today Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) highlighted the House passage of critical funding for Florida, including projects to protect communities from flooding, stormwater, coast erosion, and algal blooms, as well as investments in waterways and the maritime economy. The Water Resource Development Act of 2022 is the key legislative vehicle for projects carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Rep. Demings serves as Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, & Recovery.

“Today’s bill will help ensure that Florida’s ports, coasts, and waterways can remain the veins and arteries of our economy," said Demings. "We rely on safe, clean water for our recreation, tourism, and quality of life. Today’s bill funds and authorizes projects to protect the Florida Keys, get algal blooms under control, and prevent flooding from Miami to the Panhandle, Jacksonville to Orlando, and Tampa to the Everglades. I am proud to vote for this important funding to keep Florida moving, save homes and businesses from flooding, and keep our water clean and safe.”

The Water Resource Development Act of 2022:

• Authorizes the construction of 16 pending Corps Chief’s Reports, which are the final recommendations to Congress by the Chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on rigorously studied water resources infrastructure priorities. These include:
• Florida Keys, Monroe County, FL Coastal Storm Risk Management – recommends $1.367 billion in federal funding to protect Route 1 and control coastal storm risk
• Pinellas County, FL, Treasure Island and Long Key Segments, Coastal Storm Risk Management – recommends $20 million in initial and future federal funding for coastal storm risk management
• Okaloosa County FL, Coast Storm Risk Management – recommends $90 million in initial and future federal funding for coastal storm risk management

• Authorizes critical water and wastewater infrastructure assistance for community-driven projects carried out by the Corps throughout the nation.
• FLORIDA KEYS, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA.—$1,513,531,000 in federal funding for hurricane and storm damage risk reduction.
• PORT EVERGLADES, FLORIDA.—More than doubles funding for navigation improvement project, $229,770,000 to $561,455,000.
• MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA.—Increases funding to $190,250,000 (from $6,250,000) for wastewater infrastructure
• PINELLAS COUNTY, TREASURE ISLAND, AND LONG KEY, FLORIDA.— $100,627,000 for hurricane and storm damage risk reduction.
• CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FLORIDA.—$30,000,000 for water and wastewater infrastructure
• LONGBOAT KEY, FLORIDA.—$12,750,000 for water and wastewater infrastructure
• MARTIN, ST. LUCIE, AND PALM BEACH, FLORIDA.—$100,000,000 for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater
• POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA.—$10,000,000 for wastewater infrastructure
• OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA.— $20,000,000 for wastewater infrastructure
• ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA.—$50,000,000 for water and wastewater infrastructure

• Authorizes New Major Projects. These include:
• COMPREHENSIVE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN FLORIDA STUDY.—Authorizes a comprehensive feasibility study for resiliency and water resources in Central and South Florida.
• REPORT ON SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION.—Authorizes a Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan report, including Lake Okeechobee.
• HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.—A new project to fight algal blooms. Includes Lake Okeechobee, Florida.

• Authorizes new feasibility studies. These include:
• DUVAL COUNTY, FLORIDA.— Beach restoration and storm damage risk reduction
• TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY, FLORIDA.— Project for whole island hurricane and storm damage risk reduction
• LAKE RUNNYMEDE, FLORIDA.—Project for ecosystem restoration
• TAMPA BACK BAY, FLORIDA.—Project for flood risk management and hurricane and storm damage risk reduction
• PORT TAMPA BAY AND MCKAY BAY, FLORIDA.—Project for hurricane and storm damage risk reduction
• LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA, FLORIDA.—Project for ecosystem restoration and flood risk management
• SHINGLE CREEK AND KISSIMMEE RIVER, FLORIDA.—Modifications to the project for ecosystem restoration and water storage
• JACKSONVILLE HARBOR, FLORIDA.—Modifications to the project for navigation, including outer channel improvements
• WESTERN EVERGLADES, FLORIDA.—Project for ecosystem restoration, Western 21 Everglades, Florida
• MIAMI, DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA.—Project for hurricane and storm damage risk reduction, Miami, Dade County, Florida (Change Report)
• INDIAN RIVER LAGOON, FLORIDA.—Project for ecosystem restoration, Central and Southern Florida, Indian River Lagoon (Change Report)

Demings also voted for the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, citing the need to rebuild Florida’s economy and get people back to work. Over 4,300 specific projects and counting to rebuild roads and bridges, deliver stable and affordable internet and power infrastructure, ensure clean water, and protect Floridians from storms and climate change. $5.2 billion and counting has been designated for projects in Florida.