Waltz Urges Funding for Shore Protection Projects

Hurricanes Ian and Nicole have left a path of destruction for many that lawmakers have rushed to address. With ongoing discussions regarding skyrocketing premiums, efforts are also underway to rebuild areas that were affected. This week, Florida Rep. Mike Waltz (R) issued a letter calling for funding that would offer shore protection and beach renourishment projects in various Florida counties.

Waltz directed the letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael Connor. In the letter, Waltz asks for funding that would span various projects in Volusia, Flagler, and St. Johns Counties, and it would include funding for the City of Daytona Beach Stormwater and Flood Protection Project.

Waltz described the the effects of the hurricanes, detailing that they "delivered storm surge, beach erosion, and flooding resulting in widespread destruction of hazard mitigating infrastructure and protective measures," mentioning that "the beaches, dunes, and coastal armoring across Volusia, Flagler, and St Johns Counties were compromised by Hurricane Ian and left the coast vulnerable and unprotected for Hurricane Nicole's landfall."

In a statement, the Florida Republican emphasized the need for the funding in the wake of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, saying that “storm surge from back-to-back hurricanes ravaged our beaches, dunes, and coastal armoring.” “It’s clear that North Central Florida needs federal Army Corps of Engineers projects to protect our coastal communities,” Waltz expressed.

Vowing to “continue to advocate for supplemental disaster assistance for Hurricanes Ian and Nicole,” Waltz added that his “goal is for the Biden Administration to fund these projects in Volusia, Flagler, and St Johns, which will be the Biden Administration’s discretion.”

The projects in question that would receive funding are the following: