Washington, DC – Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement after voting to pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA), bipartisan legislation that would further Everglades restoration efforts, improve water quality in Palm Beach County, and approve flood control and coastal resiliency projects.

“This bipartisan legislation makes critical investments to boost our economy here in South Florida, improve the quality of our water, and protect our environment for future generations,” said Rep. Frankel. “This bill will help us protect and restore the Everglades, update our water infrastructure, and protect communities like ours from sea level rise, flooding, algae blooms, and other devastating impacts of the climate crisis.”

WRDA includes several critical priorities for South Florida, including:

• Expediting completion of a study for the Western Everglades Restoration Project.
• Reporting on the status of all Everglades restoration projects, including estimated implementation and updated costs.
• Increasing funding for Port Everglades deepening and widening, allowing the project to move forward.
• Authorizing a Comprehensive Central and South Florida Study of resiliency and flood risk management.
• Authorizing a Harmful Algal Bloom reduction program.
• Allocating $100 million for the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon, and Lake Worth Lagoon for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure improvements.

The bill now heads to the Senate for approval.

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