SFWMD Chair's Letter to Rubio: Thanks for Supporting Our Water Control Measures

In a show of appreciation to U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio for supporting emergency water control measures, South Florida Water Management District Board Chairman Dan O’Keefe sent the senator this letter on Tuesday:

"The South Florida Water Management District appreciates your support for the critical water control measures that protect South Florida citizens during the unprecedented declared state of emergency. Last week your statement on the Senate floor shed light on the U.S. Endangered Species Act, which has hindered our agency from maximizing operations.

"With lives, communities, businesses and the environment all at stake, your reinforcement of our stance and calls to stop a bureaucratic mindset from obstructing common sense is a welcome call to acton.

"As water managers we made a decision to store additional water in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes north of Lake Okeechobee to help alleviate the impact of algal blooms that have caused an emergency situation in several counties. Strict enforcement of the Endangered Species Act based on the potential impact to a few nests of one species, the snail kite, could have blocked our efforts to help the entire ecosystem impacted by the blooms. We stand firm in our judgment to hold more water north of the lake to help all residents and all speces.

"It is my belief that the well-being, health and safety of people should always take priority, particularly in an emergency. Snail kite populations have never been healthier in the last seven years, and this is in part thanks to District scientists and engineers, who put forth great effort in building new habitats in our stormwater treatment areas. If anytning, the future of the snail kite has been guaranteed by Florida taxpayers.

"Thank you once again for championing the District's efforts in balancing and improving flood control, water supply, water quality and natural systems for the millions of South Florida residents, businesses and visitors."

The letter, dated July 19, is signed by SFWMD Board Chairman Dan O'Keefe.