Wasserman Schultz Secures Everglades, Beach Renourishment Funding in Appropriations Bill

Washington, DC, June 18, 2014
This funding will advance restoration efforts in the Everglades by funding components of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), as well as mitigate the impacts of sand erosion on our beaches caused by severe storms and rising sea levels. Our beaches are not only important for Florida's vibrant tourism industry, but also serve as a buffer protecting our communities from the ocean, said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.
The House Appropriations Committee today unanimously passed its Energy and Water spending bill for Fiscal Year 2015. Included in the bill is major funding for Everglades restoration and beach renourishment, initiatives championed by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23). 
“My South Florida district stretches from the sawgrass of the Everglades to the seagrass of the Atlantic Ocean, and as a federal appropriator, I will always fight for funding that boosts our economy and benefits our environment,” said Wasserman Schultz. “This funding will advance restoration efforts in the Everglades by funding components of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), as well as mitigate the impacts of sand erosion on our beaches caused by severe storms and rising sea levels.  Our beaches are not only important for Florida’s vibrant tourism industry, but also serve as a buffer protecting our communities from the ocean.”
The total of $34 billion approved in the Energy and Water Appropriations Act will fund agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Energy, and programs to spur environmental cleanup and conduct advanced research.  The bill includes $65.5 million specifically for Everglades restoration through CERP, and $41 million for beach renourishment nationally, which will benefit many of Florida’s beaches.
“I am pleased that congressional appropriators on both sides of the aisle have worked together on this funding bill so that we can make smart infrastructure investments in a responsible manner.  I look forward to these programs receiving full support throughout the appropriations process. They are critical to South Florida, where there is no separating the health of our unique environment from the health of our robust economy.”
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