Stuart, Fla.  – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today launched the Official Congressional Florida Water Survey soliciting input on Florida’s water infrastructure issues following his successful effort to secure full funding to expedite completion of the Herbert Hoover Dike this morning. 

“The rehabilitation of the Herbert Hoover Dike has been ongoing for more than decade, and significant funding setbacks have meant that it wasn’t expected to be finished for yet another decade from now,” Rep. Mast said after voting ‘yes’ on the budget deal. “For the first time ever, we can say that this project is now fully funded at a level where it can be completed in four years instead of another 10.  This is a major accomplishment for our community that clears the deck to now focus on other critical projects like the S.B. 10-authorized southern storage reservoir.  A bipartisan group of Florida representatives fought hard for this money, and I was proud to help lead the way.”

The bill includes full funding to expedite completion of the Herbert Hoover Dike by 2022, as well as $4 billion for repairs at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, $6 billion to combat the opioid epidemic, and $90 billion in supplemental disaster relief.  Earlier this week, Rep. Mast had informed Congressional leadership that he would vote ‘no’ on the package unless these priorities were addressed.  The bill also reauthorized the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for an additional four years on top of the six years passed in January.

Constituents are encouraged to complete the survey at www.mast.house.gov/watersurvey so that their feedback and stories can be shared with Rep. Mast’s colleagues on the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee.  Rep. Mast serves as Vice Chairman of that subcommittee, which is currently working on legislation called the Water Resources and Development Act that will impact South Florida’s water issues.

“I won't stop working until we end the discharges, send the water south and clean up our waterways. Our environment, economy and the health of people in our community depends on it,” Rep. Mast said.

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