WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) released the following statement after final passage of S.B. 10 in the Florida Senate and House:

“As I talk to people in our community, the one issue that keeps them up at night more than any other is the lack of clean, safe water in our area. Our waterways are irreplaceable treasures, central to the economy and quality of life in our region. The water being discharged by Lake Okeechobee into the Treasure Coast is destroying our community, putting people out of business, killing sea life and even making people sick. The Florida legislature’s commitment to building a reservoir south of the lake is a critical step forward in our work to restore our lagoon and beaches. I urge Governor Scott to sign this bill, and in my role as Vice Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, I will do everything in my power to ensure the federal government matches Florida’s commitment to clean water.”

BACKGROUND

Rep. Mast has been a strong supporter of efforts to build a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Army Corps of Engineers.

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