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NMMA launched a Boating United campaign on Tuesday, calling on all industry stakeholders to tell Congress and the administration to authorize critical Everglades Reservoir restoration provisions in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018. Click here to take action: https://www.votervoice.net/NMMA/campaigns/60028/respond 

 

With toxic blue-green algae already forming on Florida's coasts, it’s imperative that Congress and the administration 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. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the restoration project on Tuesday, and now the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can finalize its report, which will clear the way for the Senate to include it in the upcoming water infrastructure bill.

 

Prior to both chambers’ actions, NMMA educated many key Members of Congress and their staff regarding the industry’s Everglades priorities. NMMA also recently called on OMB to approve the project and are pleased they followed through.

 

More work is needed to secure final project approval. Take action and tell your elected officials 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].