Advocates Want More Frequent Federal Water Bills

Environmental advocates hope Everglades restoration won't have to wait another seven years for a federal water projects bill like the one expected to clear Congress.
 
The House passed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act on Tuesday. The Senate could vote on it later this week.
 
The legislation authorizes four Everglades restoration projects, along with 30 other water projects nationwide. It's been seven years since Congress last considered similar legislation.
 
When a massive Everglades restoration plan was approved in 2000, Congress took up water projects bills every two years. Just a few of the roughly 60 projects originally included in that have been authorized for federal funding.
 
Environmental advocates say lawmakers need to keep promises to consider these authorization bills more often to quicken the pace of Everglades restoration.