Rep. Demings Highlights New Everglades Funding

Orlando, FL: Today Rep. Val Demings issued the following statement regarding $1.1 billion in new federal funding to restore and preserve the Everglades. This funding was passed by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which she supported, and is, according to the Miami Herald, "by far the most money from that funding pool than any other project listed" and "the single largest investment in the Everglades in history." The funding passed Congress with support from both Democrats and Republicans but received "No" votes from Florida's Republican Representatives and Senators.Said Rep. Demings, "I am proud to announce that after a long, tough political fight we have secured new bipartisan investment into the Everglades. We fought for this funding for Florida because we know that the Everglades is the jewel of our state, the beating heart of our natural beauty, tourism economy, flood control, water purity, and quality of life. The preservation and restoration of the internationally renowned wetlands, prairies and forests of the Everglades must be a national priority. I am proud to have worked with both Democrats and Republicans to invest in the long-term health and protection of this priceless and unique ecosystem.

"I'm excited for the future of Florida and all that we will accomplish with this bipartisan investment, but it is a shame that Florida's House and Senate Republicans failed to support this critical investment into our economy, health, and environment. I will continue working with both Democrats and Republicans to ensure that Florida has everything we need to compete and win on the world stage. We look forward to additional funding throughout our community in the coming years through this bipartisan act."

Background

Rep. Demingsvoted forthe bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, citing the need to rebuild Florida's economy and get people back to work. Said Rep. Demings on the vote, "When we invest in middle class America, when we invest in people who have to go to work every day, America does better."

For decades, Floridians like Senator Bill Nelson and Senator Bob Graham have advocated for the restoration of the Everglades. As Governor, Graham launched the "Save our Everglades" program and fought to get the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) authorized in 2000. Upon his retirement, Senator Nelson took up that mantle. Today's announced investment is the culmination of decades of this work.

Apopka Voice: "there's very few champions in the world who practice what they preach, and Congresswoman Demings is all about the working people…the infrastructure bill will literally put thousands of people to work…we're aiming to make careers for individuals, not only in Apopka but in surrounding counties as well. The amount of work is going to be phenomenal."Orlando SentinelOp-Ed: "Several Florida leaders played a major role in this bill's passage; I am thankful for the yes vote from Rep. Val Demings (D-Orlando) to ensure our state received these crucial investments to make communities safer, more resilient, and more efficient. The passage of this bill will bring improvements to our state's infrastructure in addition to many jobs that come with infrastructure projects."WFTV 9: "The hope is the new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act can create more blue-collar jobs in Central Florida…At an event Tuesday, Demings said some of those funds could be used here to make commuting across the area easier."Florida Politics:"Here in Florida, transportation means everything," said Demings. "It is the lifeline that moves people…this bill is in the best interest of Central Florida and all of the people who visit our great region…Look, when this bill passed, we won. Not win as in Democrats and Republicans who voted for it, but we as a community. We as a nation.'"Orlando Sentinel: "'This is a huge win for our community,' she said...'This is a huge win for Florida, and I am excited about all that we are going to accomplish in the coming years because of this investment in our future.'…Rep. Demings touted the bipartisan support for the bill, which included 19 Senate Republicans and 13 House Republicans."90.7 WMFE:"Central Florida stands to receive tens of billions of dollars in money to expand Lynx routes, put in electric charging stations for greener vehicles, and improve SunRail and Amtrak…"Apopka Voice:"So a Democrat and a Republican went to a landfill...You're probably waiting with anticipation at the butt of this joke, but on Tuesday morning, Democrat Rep. Val Demings of the 10th District, which includes Apopka, and Republican Bryan Nelson, the Mayor of Apopka stood side-by-side at the Golden Gem Landfill to talk about the bipartisan infrastructure bill and how it will help Apopka."

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