Mario Díaz-Balart U.S. House of Representatives from Florida | Official U.S. House Headshot
Mario Díaz-Balart U.S. House of Representatives from Florida | Official U.S. House Headshot
Today, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued a statement following the passage of H.R. 8998, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill for fiscal year 2025. The bill includes federal funding for multiple projects across South Florida.
"I commend Chairman Tom Cole and Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson for reining in wasteful spending while reducing energy costs and protecting American jobs, especially our first responders," stated Díaz-Balart.
The bill aims to strengthen domestic energy production and counter regulatory measures by the Biden-Harris Administration. It mandates resumption of quarterly onshore oil and gas lease sales and timely issuance of 5-year offshore oil and gas leasing programs. Additionally, it blocks EPA regulations on vehicles and prohibits the imposition of an Inflation Reduction Act methane fee on oil and gas producers. The bill also protects access to public lands by blocking restrictions on hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting.
Specific allocations include:
- $11.6 million for the Everglades Restoration Project through the National Park Service.
- $9 million for the Greater Everglades Priority Ecosystem Program.
- $8 million for the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Conservation Area via the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
- $73.8 million for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program.
- $7.49 million for harmful algal bloom research.
- $1 million to expand water quality and ecosystem health monitoring in South Florida.
- Full funding for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, with Collier County being a significant recipient.
"As Floridians, we are blessed to have natural treasures like the Everglades National Park right in our backyards," said Díaz-Balart. He emphasized his commitment to fighting for Everglades restoration due to its importance as a drinking water source and economic asset.
Additionally, Díaz-Balart secured $1.5 million for the Town of Medley Wastewater Pump Station Improvement Project through Community Project Funding requests. These funds will aid in redeveloping pump stations to mitigate flooding risks and improve public safety, health, drainage improvements, traffic flow, emergency evacuations, connectivity, transportation of goods, and circulation of heavy equipment.
A summary of the bill is available here.
Bill Report is available here.
Bill Text is available here.
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