Earlier today, Representatives Robin Bartleman (D-Weston) and Demi Bussata Cabrera (R-Coral Gables), surrounded by their colleagues and local elected officials from Broward County, held a press on House Bill 513 and Senate Bill 1326: Comprehensive Review Study of the Central and Southern Florida Project. The Senate companion is sponsored by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Doral).
“South Florida has always been my home,” said Representative Bartleman. “We must take decisive action to protect our community for the generations to come. The successful operation of our flood control system is critical to daily life in South Florida and even today the system is being challenged. We must adapt to rising sea levels and enhance flood protection to protect our 11 million residents and one-third of Florida’s economy by retrofitting and retooling our water management infrastructure. This legislation is a necessary component of Florida’s historic investments in flood resilience.”
Under current law, the SFWMD is required to annually publish, by September 1, a Sea Level Rise and Flood Resilience Plan. HB 513/ SB 1326 directs the SFWMD to consolidate the portions of the Plan related to the C&SF Resiliency Study and submit the document to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR), the Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Governor, the Senate President, and Speaker of the House by October 1, annually. The success of the C&SF System is dependent on continued financial and policy investments in flooding and sea level rise by the Florida Legislature.
HB 513 and SB 1326 both passed unanimously through their first committee stop. Both bills have been referred to two additional committees before reaching the Floor for a final vote.
