NMMA Applauds Army Corps of Engineers’ Approval of Everglades Restoration Project
Last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) authorized a plan to build a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, which will reduce discharges responsible for toxic algae outbreaks in the Florida Everglades. NMMA worked with the administration to secure approval for this project and are pleased they delivered.
USACE’s action has cleared the way for the plan to be included in the federal Water Resources and Development Act of 2018. To help ensure inclusion, NMMA is calling on all industry stakeholders to tell Congress to authorize Everglades Reservoir restoration provisions in the bill.
Click here to take action now: https://www.votervoice.net/NMMA/campaigns/60028/respond
With toxic algae currently forming in Florida's waters, it’s imperative that Congress move quickly. Everglades restoration and increasing the southerly flow of water from central Florida to Florida Bay remain top issues for the recreational boating industry. The Everglades system is a key ecological and environmental source of water and recreation for nearly 1 million Florida boaters.
Back in June, the U.S. House of Representatives passed WRDA with favorable Everglades provisions and additional industry objectives. Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved WRDA with similar Everglades language – the full Senate is expected to vote on the bill in the coming weeks. And last Tuesday, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the restoration project.
Prior to both chambers’ actions, NMMA educated many key members of Congress and their staff regarding the industry’s Everglades priorities. In addition, NMMA sent a letter to OMB urging approval of the plan.
More work is needed to secure final project approval. Take action and tell your members of Congress to authorize Everglades restoration provisions now: https://www.votervoice.net/NMMA/campaigns/60028/respond
For more information, please contact NMMA’s Senior Vice President of Government & Legal Affairs, Nicole Vasilaros at [email protected] or NMMA’s Director of Federal Government Affairs, Mike Pasko at [email protected].