Page 14 - Life in Naples November 2018

Addressing the three existential threats to

QUALITY OF LIFE IN SWFL

by Francis Rooney
here are three existential
threats to our Southwest
Florida community. First,
T deterioration of water quality,
highlighted by the algal blooms and
red tide currently plaguing our rivers
and coastal waters. Second, rising sea
levels which, if unchecked, will increase
flooding and threaten the future of our
coastal communities. Lastly, forecasted
population increases east of Interstate
75 threaten the Everglades ecosystem development east of Interstate 75. Unless we want to widen I-75 like
and place heavy burdens on our transportation infrastructure. We must the Santa Monica Freeway, we need to undertake planning which will
soon address these challenges to protect our quality of life. be required to build a new north-south roadway.
Our tourism- and real estate-based economy in Southwest Additionally, the further east both population and
Florida has already suffered greatly from the degradation of our infrastructure move, the greater the adverse impact on the
water quality. We need to send water south from Lake Okeechobee Everglades ecosystem, affecting the unique species of plants and
through the Everglades to Florida Bay, instead of discharging animals in the ecosystem that attract ecotourists and boost our
it into the Caloosahatchee. In the 21 months I have served in local economy. Future infrastructure projects here, such as a new
Congress we have been successful in achieving nearly $1.1 billion road, must respect the environment.
in funding that will speed up repairs to the Herbert Hoover Mitigating the effects of these three existential threats to
Dike, completing it many years ahead of schedule, and will fund Southwest Florida must be the top priority for our community.
construction of the EAA Reservoir. This reservoir is critical to Without comprehensive action to address all of the factors
store, treat and carry water south of Lake Okeechobee, instead of which contribute to the environmental disasters plaguing our
releasing it into the Caloosahatchee and the Gulf. Southwest Florida community, the damage will continue. Our
I have successfully fought for funding to complete quality of life is at stake.
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects.
Now we are seeing results- a record $115 million set aside for Francis Rooney is the U.S. Representative for Florida’s 19th
CERP in the FY2019 budget. A key factor in securing these funds congressional district. He is the Vice-Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs
was bringing key decision-makers from Washington to Southwest Committee and serves on the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Florida to see the Lake Okeechobee Watershed firsthand, He previously served as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See under President
including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
George W. Bush from 2005 to 2008.
Sea-level rise is the second threat to our community. Rising
sea levels increase flooding and intensify the impact of hurricanes, CONTACT OUR OFFICES
including their storm surge, underscoring the need for proactive
planning to mitigate these effects. Collier County is already Lee County Office
taking measures to plan ahead. Thanks to a National Oceanic and 1039 S.E. 9th Place • Suite 308
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant to Florida Gulf Cape Coral, FL 33990
Coast University and the University of Florida, a team of scientists Phone: 239.599.6033
is working with county officials to predict the effects of sea-level
rise and stronger storms on our community. Collier County Office
Inaction already costs us billions. Damage from Hurricane 3299 Tamiami Trail East • Suite 105
Irma cost the United States $50 billion. Further, 40-60% of small Naples, FL 34112
businesses never reopen their doors following a disaster such as Phone: 239.252.6225
Irma, causing long term damage to our economy. Florida cities
are already spending over $4 billion to strengthen infrastructure, Washington, DC Office
improve drainage, renourish beaches and combat tidal flooding. 120 Cannon House Office Building
This is the result of 6 inches of sea-level rise over the last 30 years; Washington, DC 20515
levels are expected to rise another 6 inches in the next 15 years. Phone: 202.225.2536
The third problem is population growth and accelerating

14 Life in Naples | November 2018