By Amie Parnes
staff writer
July 14, 2005

WASHINGTON — After a decade-long delay, the U.S. House is poised today to approve $1.2 billion for the Indian River Lagoon restoration project as part of a large water projects bill.

Rep. Mark Foley, a Republican who represents much of the Treasure Coast and has been leading the restoration battle since 1996, said he expected the House to pass the funding, which he called "a significant breakthrough."

The restoration project would focus on aquatic habitat in the St. Lucie Estuary and the southern portion of the Indian River Lagoon, removing deposits of muck and phosphorous in lakes and canals that have polluted the lagoon's sea grasses and oyster flats.

Part of Everglades plan

The project, a major piece of the 30-year, $8.4 billion Everglades restoration plan, would filter marshes and create reservoirs in the Indian River Lagoon. The lagoon is home to more than 4,300 species of plants and animals and brings in an economic contribution of $730 million.

The lagoon project is the first Comprehensive Everglades Restoration plan requiring congressional authorization. It is part of the Water Resources Development Act, a transportation bill that will fund water projects around the country.

The funding for the Indian River Lagoon project would be split between federal and state governments.

Over the years, Martin County residents have been "extremely instrumental" in support of the project, Foley said. They organized rallies, wrote thousands of letters of support and voted for a three-year, one-cent sales tax to contribute over $50 million in revenue foe the plan.

"There's been tremendous support all around," he said.

Senate must approve

Still, Foley cautioned, the bill must meet the approval of the Senate. Since 2000, Congress has attempted to pass a water resources bill but couldn't quite seal the deal. Last year, the Senate version of the legislation included the Indian River Lagoon but Congress adjourned before the two houses could work out their differences.

But that might not be the case this year, Sen. Mel Martinez said Wednesday.

"I'm optimistic that we can get the bill done," he said.

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