Treasure Coast Sun

U.S. Congressman Brian Mast, alongside Senator Marco Rubio and other Florida lawmakers, has submitted a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden urging for $725 million in funding for Everglades restoration efforts. The request is aimed at supporting the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

Representative Mast emphasized the importance of Everglades restoration, stating, “I’ve fought every year to secure full funding for Everglades restoration and pushed to prioritize projects like the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir to send water south.” He expressed his dedication to ensuring future generations can benefit from the unique ecosystem of the Everglades.

Senator Rubio highlighted the significance of the restoration projects, noting that they would provide water management flexibility, reduce harmful discharges to estuaries, and prevent water shortages across southern Florida. He stressed the importance of completing these projects to protect wildlife and enhance the quality of life for Floridians.

The funding request comes as Florida continues to face a public health crisis due to toxic water discharges from Lake Okeechobee. Restoring the Everglades is seen as a crucial step in redirecting water flow southward and preventing toxic discharges into the east and west coast estuaries.

In addition to Mast and Rubio, other Florida lawmakers including U.S. Representatives Carlos Gimenez, Byron Donalds, Gus Bilirakis, Laurel Lee, John Rutherford, Mike Waltz, and Jared Moskowitz have also lent their support to the funding request.

The full text of the letter to President Biden can be accessed for further details on the proposed allocation of funds for Everglades restoration.