Press Releases

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) issued the following statement after House passage of H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026:

“Water management isn’t an abstract issue in Florida. Decisions involving Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, flood control and our coasts directly affect our communities, agriculture, environment and economy. WRDA is one of the most important tools Congress has to set priorities for the Army Corps and keep critical water infrastructure projects moving.

“This bill advances several major Florida priorities. It moves the Central Everglades Planning Project and Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir forward, supports continued work on Lake Okeechobee and strengthens federal support for beach renourishment and flood-risk reduction. It also includes reforms to Corps project delivery and coordination so important projects aren’t held up by unnecessary delays.

“As a member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I’m focused on making sure these priorities have the resources and direction needed to move from authorization to construction. Congress can authorize important projects, but we must also ensure the Corps can execute them efficiently and keep long-term work on schedule.

“Florida’s water challenges require sustained attention. Restoring the Everglades, managing Lake Okeechobee, protecting communities from flooding and maintaining our coasts are long-term commitments. The House has done its work, and I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can move WRDA forward and get these critical Florida water priorities across the finish line.”

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