U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., showcased his pride in federal funding for the Everglades contained in the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill passed Tuesday by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.
Said Diaz-Balart, “As founder and co-chairman of the Everglades Caucus, I am very pleased with the Everglades funding levels in the Interior Appropriations bill for FY 16. Everglades National Park is a natural treasure that we must preserve and protect for future generations. I have worked diligently with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure that the Everglades restoration and operations programs were adequately funded.”
The South Florida congressman pointed to almost $140 million from National Park Services funds that would go to restore the Everglades at the following national parks: Big Cypress, Biscayne, Everglades and Dry Tortugas.
Democrats call it too little.
Diaz-Balart noted the federal government would send $4.8 million to ensure the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is finished on schedule, while almost $4 million will go to the Critical Ecosystems Studies Initiative (CESI) and $1.9 million for the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force.
Pointing to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill which the House passed last month, Diaz-Balart said it contains $64 million to repair the Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee and $130 million for Army Corps of Engineer projects in the Everglades..
“Restoration is crucial to protect our state’s ecosystem and provides for our drinking water supply,” Diaz-Balart said on Tuesday. “Furthermore, restoration and operations funds can result in a boost to our state’s economy. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to ensure that the Everglades may flourish for many years to come.”
The House Appropriations Committee approved the $30.17 billion bill on a 30-21 vote on Tuesday, almost $250 million below last year’s appropriations bill and $3 billion less than what President Barack Obama asked for.
“This bill supports important Department of Interior and environment programs that protect and promote our natural resources within a responsible, sustainable budget,” said U.S. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers, R-Ky., on Tuesday. “The bill also preserves the role of the federal government -- making sure that the government is doing its job well, while ensuring that it is not harmful or intrusive into the lives of the American people or our economy.”
Democrats pushed back at the bill, noting that it leaves the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with around $720 million less than last year.
“The air every American breathes, the water every American drinks, are all at risk because of the funding cuts and policy attacks in this bill,” said U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., the ranking Democrat on the U.S. House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.
Earlier this week, the White House said it opposed the Republican appropriations plan.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
