Soto-sponsored bill included in federal spending package calls for study of Kissimmee River

Gary White, The Ledger
·2 min read
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The omnibus spending bill passed by Congress late last month included the Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act, introduced by Rep. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee.

The measure directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete a study of the Kissimmee River within three years to make it part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, Soto's office said in a news release. The Kissimmee River, which forms an eastern border of Polk County, was channelized in the 1960s as part of a flood-control program.

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Beginning in 1999, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers led a long-term project that filled 22 miles of canal, removed water-control structures and otherwise restored much of the river and its floodplain to a more natural condition.

Congress created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1968 “to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.” In Florida, sections of the Loxahatchee and Wekiva Rivers are designated as wild, scenic or recreational.

"The Kissimmee River restoration was the largest river restoration on earth and cost nearly $1 billion over many years,” Soto said in a news release. “As part of the Northern Everglades, this project is crucial to ensuring clean water flows through the River of Grass. Now that we’ve restored the river, it’s time to protect it. This will also benefit recreation, ecotourism, and habitat for Florida's endangered species. This new law will finally move the designation process forward and ultimately preserve it for future generations.”

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Spending package includes Soto-sponsored bill to study Kissimmee River