NMMA applauds federal approval of Everglades restoration project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has authorized a plan to build a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, which will reduce discharges responsible for toxic algae outbreaks in the Florida Everglades.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association 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 staff is calling on all industry stakeholders to tell Congress to authorize Everglades Reservoir restoration provisions in the bill.

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.

For more information, please contact NMMA’s Senior Vice President of Government & Legal Affairs Nicole Vasilaros or NMMA Director of Federal Government Affairs Mike Pasko at mpasko@nmma.org.