Congress has authorized $82 million for new research aimed at controlling toxic algae outbreaks.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., sponsored the bill. The Senate agreed Tuesday to a House amendment to the bill, which next goes to President Barack Obama for approval.
The legislation streamlines existing national efforts to study and fight harmful algae blooms nationwide. It amends the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998.
Nelson says the legislation will "help battle the algae that's been choking off life in Florida's waterways," causing economic, environmental and health problems for state residents.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
