Preserving our environment is an important responsibility we all share.  In Congress and in the Seventh Congressional District, projects that make a difference in the quality of our life and the environment we enjoy receive my strong support.

Here is just a sampling:

Rose Bay

Restoring Rose Bay, a natural estuary in Southeast Volusia County, is a project that I began more than a decade ago.  Replacing the old bridge span over U.S. 1 grew into a major environmental restoration project.

Rather than just replacing the bridge, which was built decades ago by dumping fill into the estuary, the fill was removed and a longer span
was constructed.  Also, septic tanks were leaking into the water and were removed to prevent further degradation.  The fill and old barriers in the waterway that blocked the natural flow is now being removed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

By bringing local state regional’s and federal agencies together, Rose Bay will soon return to being a state and national treasure.

The Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR)

Assisting with the development of the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve in South Ponte Vedra has created a state and national center to study, protect and better understand our estuary systems.  The center provides research facilities, learning programs and marine exhibitions that are open to residents, academics, students and marine professionals.

After visiting their primitive and inadequate past facility, it was my pleasure to champion both federal support and focus on this major ecological and marine center, now an important environmental asset of the Seventh Congressional District.

DeBary Bayou

When I-4 was constructed more than 50 years ago, not much consideration was given to protecting the environment in the construction of this national highway.

Where the interstate crossed over the St. Johns River, land was filled, blocking the water flow, which limited the runoff protections previously in place.  Over the years, vegetation and silt has clogged what is called the DeBary Bayou.

Working with local, state and federal agencies, a plan for the restoration of the natural waterway is currently in development.  The Florida Department of Transportation, the St. Johns Water Management District, Volusia County, local communities and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have all committed resources to bring this dying natural waterway back to life.

Beach Erosion

From Volusia, through Flagler Counties and continuing along the length of St. Johns County, beach erosion has been taking its toll.

Our beaches are an important natural asset, not only for their beauty but also for tourism and every Floridian’s enjoyment.  When they are washing away, we have a serious problem.

Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have championed efforts to find the best solution to protecting our natural resources.  I have worked to secure federal support for beach protection initiatives and am hopeful that we will soon have a regional plan for protecting our beaches from erosion.

Water Resources National Legislation

In assuring the position of Republican Leader of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in 2007, I recognized the failure of Congress for 11 years to enact a national Water Resources Authorization bill.

With a bipartisan agreement, Congress for the first time in more than a decade passed the most comprehensive water resources legislation in
the history of the program.  This bill sets federal policy for all federal water projects, establishes funding levels and outlines priorities for all dams, levees, beach restoration and environmental projects under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  Although President Bush vetoed the bill, your Congressman helped lead the veto override and the legislation became law.

Trail Projects

One of the best ways to enjoy Florida and its natural beauty is through its growing trails and nature walk system.

Over the years, my support for converting old railroad right-of-way for nature trails has helped the 7th Congressional District become the State’s leader both in number and miles of Rails to Trails pathways that both Floridians and visitors can enjoy.  All six counties in the District have programs to create or expand nature trails, and several other adjoining counties will soon be part of the trail system that extends from America’s oldest City, St. Augustine, to Florida’s Space Coast in Brevard County.