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Water Bill Faces Uncertain Future in House, Nelson Says


May 15, 2013 | WMFE - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson says the Senate will approve the Water Resources Development Act within a few weeks. But the Central Florida Democrat has doubts about whether the measure, which authorizes water projects nationwide, can get through the House.

[Photo: Everglades]

For Florida, the Water Resources Development Act – or WRDA – includes Everglades restoration and also dredging in Port Canaveral, which now is the nation's second-largest cruise port after Miami.

Usually Congress approves a new WRDA every five years. But Nelson says congressional gridlock is holding up the measure.

"The fate in the House of Representatives is unknown because you've got these extremist folks down there that think any kind of spending by the federal government is too much."

Florida environmentalists want a new WRDA because they want to move forward on Everglades restoration. They say projects are on hold, waiting for funding.

Congress approved the last WRDA in 2007. The Senate took up the measure last week.

 

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