Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, Congressman Michael Waltz (FL-6) helped secure $250.5 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in President Donald Trump's Work Plan to help restoration efforts along the St. Johns County shore and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan which includes Indian River Lagoon- South.

"Following the severe coastal erosion and flooding from Hurricanes Matthew and Irma, we have worked tirelessly to secure commitments from the federal government to help restore our beaches," said Congressman Michael Waltz. "The New Start designation is a major commitment from the federal government to help restore and protect our coastal communities." “Fully funding Everglades restoration will improve water quality and ecosystems across the state, and as we know, the environment drives Florida’s economy.”

Last October, Congressman Waltz, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-4), and Congressman Al Lawson (FL-5) sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Director Ricky James requesting action on the St. Johns County Shore Protection Project, citing the devastation left behind from Hurricanes Matthew and Irma. The Shore Protection Project area addresses North Ponte Vedra Beach and was one of 8 projects nationwide to receive a New Start. The project received $500,000 to initiate a feasibility study.  

On March 17, 2020, Congressman Waltz and his Florida delegation colleagues requested $250 million in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction funding for the Everglades to mirror President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget request. The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260) and was allocated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers yesterday in their Work Plan. The Everglades funding includes $150.250 million for Indian River Lagoon- South for construction and engineering.