Mast proposes energy and water amendment to fully fund Everglades restoration projects

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) on Monday offered an amendment to the fiscal year 2022 energy and water appropriations bill that would increase funding to $725 million to build the Everglades Agricultural Area Southern Storage Reservoir and other Everglades restoration projects.

“This is a historic opportunity to invest in Florida’s water infrastructure, which has major implications not just for the environment, but also for our economy and public health,” Rep. Mast said.

In March, the congressman joined his colleagues in the Florida congressional delegation to urge President Joe Biden to include $725 million for Everglades restoration in the president’s budget request. But Biden failed to do so.

Rep. Mast then submitted a request to the U.S. House Appropriations Committee to include the full amount in the FY 2022 energy and water appropriations bill. As currently drafted, however, the bill includes a lower amount of $350 million. Rep. Mast’s amendment would increase the amount to the original request of $725 million.

“Unfortunately, my urgent requests to increase funding for these projects have not been included in the bill,” said Rep. Mast on Monday. “This amendment is an opportunity to correct that and ensure the Army Corps has the resources needed to accelerate Everglades restoration and stop harmful discharges.”