Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013

Floor Speech

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Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I stand in support of this bill, and I want to thank the chairman and ranking members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for extraordinary leadership in bringing this bipartisan and very important bill to the floor.

Transportation moves our economy, and our waterways play a vital role. This bill is about jobs for America, and as a Floridian, I am pleased to support this legislation that promotes our ports and protects our most precious wetlands, the Everglades.

Today's proposal will allow Florida's east coast ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Jacksonville to advance in preparation for the widening of the Panama Canal. Accommodation of larger and heavier loaded post-Panamax freight ships is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs with a multibillion-dollar impact to Florida's economy.

Today's bill also authorizes important projects that help restore Florida's most important watershed, the Everglades, with a four-to-one return on every dollar spent.

The CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.

Mr. RAHALL. I yield the gentlewoman an additional 1 minute.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. This restoration means improving water quality for millions of people, protecting our natural habitat, increasing property values, expanding recreational opportunities, and boosting tourism for Florida. As this bill progresses, I hope we can work together to extend the period of authorization, as in years past.

Mr. Chairman, this is a very good bipartisan bill. It is good for Florida, and it is good for our country. I urge its support.

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