Ryan Nicol
U.S. Reps. Brian Mast and Bill Posey have co-sponsored a bipartisan bill that seeks to increase federal assistance to deal with toxic algae blooms in Florida and other states.
The pair of Florida Republicans joined with Democratic Reps. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio and Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon to co-sponsor the “Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 2018.”
The bill would seek to extend a program set to expire this year, which serves as the principal federal program to address harmful blooms. Also, the new bill would increase funding for that program from $20.5 million to $22 million.
Mast, who represents Florida’s 18th Congressional District, put partial blame on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the issue in a statement on his support for the bill.
“The federal government, through the Army Corps of Engineers, has played a huge role in perpetuating the human health crisis caused by Lake Okeechobee discharges and they need to take responsibility for the damage by helping to pay for the cleanup,” said Mast.
“More than that, the government needs to stop prioritizing special interests over human health and put an end to the crisis once and for all. This bipartisan bill will help deliver the federal resources needed to end this environmental disaster.”
The Army Corps has earned criticism from nearby residents as well due to its decisions on where to send discharges from Lake Okeechobee. Representatives say they’re forced to discharge the water somewhere to avoid a risk of deadly flooding in the event of a significant storm.
Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for several counties earlier this month as a result of the blooms.
Posey, who represents Florida’s 8th Congressional District, added his endorsement of the bill.
“Tackling the toxic algal blooms is critical to restoring health to our Indian River Lagoon, and I congratulate Congressman Brian Mast on his creative approach to fighting this issue,” Rep. Posey said.
“I’m pleased that our estuary caucus co-chair, Suzanne Bonamici, remains committed to helping in this uphill battle. Together we will find solutions that will benefit all of our estuaries and communities.”
Bonamici represents, the state of Oregon, which has had to deal with its own recent problems with algae blooms.
“Harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events threaten the health of our oceans, lakes, rivers, and waterways in Oregon and across the country,” Rep. Bonamici said.
“Our bipartisan legislation will help communities better protect against and respond quickly to harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events.”
