August 1, 2007
Mica Secures Beach Restoration Funds
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-St. Johns) announced today that several Northeast Florida beach restoration projects have been approved by Congress in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which passed in the House late Wednesday evening. Projects to study and restore beaches in St. Johns, Flagler, and Volusia counties were approved.
“With homes and oceanfront property in Ponte Vedra in danger and Highway A1A in Flagler County falling into the ocean, this action by Congress was critical,” noted Rep. Mica.
Additionally, Rep. Mica has secured $500,000 for funding in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last week, for the Army Corps of Engineers to assist in developing a solution to deal with beach erosion and restoration in St. Johns and Flagler counties. The funding would be available in the new Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2007, if approved by the U.S. Senate.
Rep. Mica met with St. Johns County and local officials on June 11 to examine the damage caused by the recent storms that ravaged our coastline.
“With the federal funds, the Army Corps will be able to conduct a feasibility study to determine the costs and benefits of a beach renourishment project. These beaches are important to local economies and protection of this resource is of the utmost importance to residents and visitors alike”, stated Rep. Mica.
The 1999-2000 hurricane inflicted erosion problems that now threaten St. Johns County’s primary emergency evacuation route - State Road A1A. Due to tropical storms and major hurricanes, the ocean shorelines in this region have been subject to significant damage. Federal funds will aid in paying for a Corps Engineer Beach Restoration Study.
“I wanted to make certain that whatever beach restoration remedy is adopted by the Corps, the money and sand do not wash into the ocean,” Rep. Mica emphasized.
A major provision of the legislation that Mica was able to include in the Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress were the first actual funds to conduct restoration projects for Florida’s Everglades.
“The Florida Everglades, an environmental state treasure, must be preserved and restored. This bill represents a milestone in that effort,” said Rep. Mica.
This legislation also included record approval of sewer and water projects in the region. These measures were spearheaded by Rep. Mica who serves as Republican Leader on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“Demands to keep our water clean and the need to process waste has dramatically increased with the explosion of Florida’s population,” said Rep. Mica. “ These funds will help keep our water and sewer bills down and maintain a viable public water and waste treatment systems for our local communities.”
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