After a 10-year delay, the U.S. House of Representatives is poised to approve $1.2 billion for the Indian River Lagoon restoration project. The Indian River Lagoon project is the first installment of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) requiring congressional authorization. Treasure Coast representative Mark Foley said he expected the house to pass the funding.

The restoration would involve improvements to both the St. Lucie River estuary and the Indian River Lagoon. These projects would include reservoirs, stormwater treatment areas (filtration marshes) and muck removal. The project would be funded by a state-federal partnership. Rep. Foley praises Martin County residents for their letters and approval of a 1-cent sales tax that will contribute more than $50 million to the plan.

The U.S. Senate must still approve the bill. Since 2000, Congress has failed to pass a Water Resources Development bill. But Senator Mel Martinez says he’s “optimistic” about the bill’s passage.

FS