Commissioner Diaz supports federal funding for critical environmental and infrastructure projects

MIAMI-DADE – The Miami-Dade County Commission on July 10 approved a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz supporting pending federal legislation to provide funding for critical Florida environmental and infrastructure projects administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, introduced by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R – Tenn.), would provide:

· $67 million for the Herbert Hoover Dike Rehabilitation project at Lake Okeechobee
· Up to $45 million to operate, maintain, and repair key Florida Everglades restoration infrastructure
· Up to $50 million to advance critical construction for the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration project

The bill also would provide up to $50 million for beach renourishment, shoreline protection, environmental infrastructure, and intracoastal and inland waterways maintenance; as well as $6.07 million to PortMiami for operation and maintenance of infrastructure in support of waterborne trade and commerce. “This bill would be a huge benefit to Miami-Dade County’s critical environmental and economic interests,” Commissioner Diaz said.