Mills Votes for WRDA Funding Water Initiatives in Volusia County

Cory Mills

Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) voted in favor of the yearly Water Resources and Development Act for 2024, granting his Congressional District of Volusia County, including the cities of Oviedo and Deltona, millions in Federal funds for water development and management projects.

The new WRDA promises a substantial impact on Deltona, with a significant $31.2 million earmarked for expanding wastewater (sewer) systems. This crucial step will pave the way for expanding commercial development, especially along busier roads, and promise a brighter future for the city's overall development.

Oviedo received $10 million to help extract 2.5 million more gallons of potable water from both the Upper Floridan Aquifer and Lower Floridian Aquifer, a significant boost that holds the potential to meet the rising demand due to current population growth projections. This promising initiative instills optimism about Oviedo's future water supply.

Lastly, given the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022, a shoreline study of Daytona and New Smyrna Beaches will be conducted so that future grants can be attained for the beaches' recovery.

"I am proud to announce that my team and I have secured significant funding for FL-07 in the Water and Resource Development Act of 2024, which passed in the House of Representatives on July 22, 2024. The new environmental infrastructure authorities include $31.2 million for Deltona, FL, $10 million for Oviedo, FL, and report language expediting the review and completion of the Volusia County storm damage reduction and coral resilience study. As a native Floridian and resident of New Smyrna Beach, I have seen firsthand the damage past hurricanes have inflicted on our beloved beaches here in Central Florida. In addition to the residents who live here year-round, our beaches also welcome countless tourists throughout the year. I have met with officials here in Florida's 7th and will do everything I can in Congress to ensure our district gets the recovery efforts we need," said Rep. Mills in his press release.

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.