Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: “I join with over half of the Florida delegation to support H.R. 673, the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvements Act of…”

“I join with over half of the Florida delegation to support H.R. 673, the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvements Act of 2000, that will provide $213 million to help preserve one of this nation's crown jewels. Within the Florida Keys lies the only living coral reef bed in the United States and the third largest in the world. The coral reef is also home to plants and animals unique to this area that make up a rare and sensitive ecosystem. The Keys are being threatened with disease and even death if the raw wastewater flowing through the porous limestone of the Key is not treated and cleaned up. Inadequate wastewater and stormwater infrastructure have caused the once pure waters to become polluted and dirty, threatening not only the viability of the living reef tract, but the plants and animals that are dependent upon it. Throughout the Keys, antiquated septic tanks leak and outdated sewage systems leak refuse into these waters, flowing directly through the permeable limestone. H.R. 673 authorizes a 75/25 split between federal grants and non-federal monies to construct the necessary infrastructure. The communities of the Keys lack the tax base to provide an adequate solution without federal help, and even with passage of H.R. 673, residents will pay twice the national average in sewer bills.”