Soto Applauds Environmental Protection Agency Funding for Florida Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

KISSIMMEE, FL – Last week, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan announced that Florida will receive $275,420,000 from the recently passed Bipartisan Build Back Better Infrastructure Law to protect clean water, upgrade their aging water infrastructure, and address key challenges like lead, excess nutrients in drinking water, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances contamination. Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) issued the following statement in response to the announcement:

"President Joe Biden and Congress are delivering results from Washington, D.C., to our home state of Florida. Through the funding provided by the Environmental Protection Agency, we will have the opportunity to make desperately needed upgrades to our water infrastructure and deliver results to the vulnerable populations who have been historically underserved in our community. My constituents in Florida's Ninth Congressional District are unfortunately too familiar with the dangers posed by unsafe drinking water. In the City of St. Cloud specifically, we have seen multiple issues over the years stemming from aging infrastructure and lack of maintenance. Additionally, toxic "forever chemicals" known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances have been found in our water, air, and soil around Florida, leading to serious health concerns. These conditions are unacceptable and do not live up to the promises made to Americans in the Clean Water Act. Sadly, while 32 Republicans voted "yes," not a single Florida Republican voted for the bill. It is my hope that our state will use these funds to make safe drinking water a reality for every Floridian."

Over the following weeks and months, Florida will receive notice of more funds reaching the state as a result of the Bipartisan Build Back Better Infrastructure Law.

To view a more detailed breakdown of EPA funds, please click here.

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