Federal budget amendment to benefit SWFL waterways

FORT MYERS, Fla. – An amendment in the trillion dollar budget bill passed by Congress on Friday includes funding to help maintain two Southwest Florida waterways.

Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor will receive additional clean-up and protection services from an amendment by Rep. Alan Greyson (D-FL). Indian River Lagoon and Tampa Bay will also receive increased services.

The waterways are part of the National Estuary Program, which funds and fosters coordination among government agencies, environmental groups and the private sector to protect and improve the health of 28 waterways across the country.

The amendment increased the program’s funding from $1.6 million to $26 million.

“Our waterways are vital to Florida’s environment and economy,” Grayson said in a statement. “These increased funds will go a long way toward protecting our environment.”