WASHINGTON
March 29, 2007

Mack Introduces "Restoring the Caloosahatchee River: A Legacy for Florida" Act

By Stephanie DuBois and Jeff Cohen
Contact: (202) 225-2536

http://mack.house.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.View&ContentRecord_id=295

Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) today introduced bipartisan legislation in the House that will improve water quality and better manage the rate at which water flows from Lake Okeechobee down the Caloosahatchee River. Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Vern Buchanan (FL-13), and Tim Mahoney (FL-16) are original cosponsors of the bill.

Unnatural surges of nutrient-laden water from Lake Okeechobee that flow down the Caloosahatchee River are harming the fragile ecosystem of the estuaries in the region. The Army Corps of Engineers is currently in the planning stages of developing an above ground reservoir (C-43 Basin Storage Reservoir), which will reduce the large surges of water from Lake Okeechobee and restore a healthier water flow to the Caloosahatchee River.

Mack’s legislation will authorize a water quality component to the C-43 Reservoir project through the construction of conservation areas like marshes to naturally filter nutrients from the water. Incorporating a water quality component into the C-43 Reservoir project will further reduce the level of nutrients that flow into the Caloosahatchee River, helping to improve the overall health of the river and the estuaries.

“The Caloosahatchee River is the lifeblood of Southwest Florida. Last year, American Rivers ranked the Caloosahatchee River as the seventh most endangered river in the United States. Improving the quality and quantity of water flowing down the Caloosahatchee River is critical for the long-term health of our unique ecosystem,” said Mack.

“I will continue working with state and local officials, the South Florida Water Management District, and the Army Corps of Engineers on options that will help to provide better management of these water flows, improve water quality and preserve our delicate environment,” Mack concluded.

“The Caloosahatchee River has fallen victim to harmful water releases from Lake Okeechobee and as a result is deteriorating. Adding a water quality improvement component to the C-43 Reservoir project is a major step in restoring the River and the South Florida Ecosystem. Everglades Restoration has always been a priority of mine and I applaud Congressman Mack for introducing this vital legislation,” said Diaz-Balart.

“The Caloosahatchee River is a vital source of drinking water, a natural habitat for wildlife, and crucial to the region’s tourist economy,” said Buchanan. “Polluted water released from Lake Okeechobee is threatening the health of this vital natural resource. This bill would help protect the endangered river for future generations.”

“The quality of water in the Caloosahatchee River is critical to the health of our community and water systems throughout the entire state. I am committed to working with my colleagues to improve the quality and flow of water out of Lake Okeechobee,” said Mahoney.

Mack is expected to hold a press conference at Centennial Park in Fort Myers next week to discuss the legislation.

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