On the recordJune 7, 2022
I thank the gentleman for yielding. And I congratulate him on this incredible work product and a remarkable career. I rise today in support of H.R. 7776, the Water Resources Development Act. This bill will advance the economic interests of South Florida. After more than 20 years of work, the Port Everglades deepening and widening project will enable safe passage of next-generation cruise and cargo ships, and it is estimated to create 1,500 good, permanent jobs when it is finished. This bill authorizes an additional $269 million in Federal funding for Port Everglades to complete the project, protect our coral reefs from disruption, and begin construction on an overdue new Coast Guard station. I came to Congress as a young mom, and I remember telling my children about the potential effects of climate change. Now, in 2022, we know that the perils of a warming planet are no longer just predictions. We have over 1,000 miles of levees and canals, 150 water control structures, and 16 major pump stations providing flood protection for 11 million residents in central and South Florida alone. A 2009 study identified 18 water control structures in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties alone that are within 6 inches of failure. I urge passage of this important bill, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak in favor of it.
