Bill > HR3819

This bill, known as the PROTECT Florida Act, aims to modify the water infrastructure management of the Central and Southern Florida system with a primary focus on public health. The bill directs the Army Corps of Engineers to manage water resources, including Lake Okeechobee, in a way that minimizes toxic cyanobacteria (harmful algal blooms) and prevents their discharge into watersheds like St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee. The bill requires the Secretary of the Army to update the Master Operational Manual to manage the system holistically, protecting public health while maintaining existing project purposes such as flood control, navigation, water supply, and environmental conservation. Additionally, the bill mandates a study by the National Academies of Sciences to examine pollution and nutrient loading impacts on the Everglades restoration efforts. The legislation explicitly preserves existing water rights compacts, water quality standards, and ongoing restoration project schedules. Notably, the bill prohibits the use of restoration funds for Deep Well Injection (DWI) of flood waters and authorizes necessary appropriations to implement its provisions, with a comprehensive approach to balancing environmental management, public health, and ecosystem restoration.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3819/all-info