FROM THE STATEHOUSE
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE D By State Representative Robin Bartleman
Under current projections, an anticipated eight ear Neighbors inches of sea level rise will impede stormwater and Friends, In January I pack- discharges needed to protect inland areas of ed my bags and trav- South Florida before 2030. As sea levels rise, eled to Tallahassee for the flood control structures will be compromised the start of the 2022 and inland rainwater will be unable to drain Legislative Session. Since taking office, improv- into the ocean. Solving these issues extends beyond paring our flood management efforts to protect residents’ property, businesses, and our natural tisan politics. Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez (R), Representative Demi Busatta- Cabrera (R), and I environment has been a priority of mine. Florida is home to 7 of the 10 cities at greatest reached across the aisle to introduce legislation risk of property losses due to flooding. Many to determine the infrastructure needs of the assume only coastal regions are at risk of flood- C&SF Project and direct the SFWMD to submit ing; however, inland communities like ours are an annual report on improvements made to at risk as well. In 2020, Tropical Storm Eta left these structures. The success of the C&SF Project is dependent behind over 20 inches of rain in Pembroke on continued financial investments in flooding Pines and surrounding municipalities, flooding and sea level rise by the Florida Legislature and homes and businesses. In response to this issue, last session I worked the Federal Government. Senator Shevrin Jones closely with Speaker Sprowls to pass legislation and I have filed an appropriation to expedite this to assess regions most at risk of flooding and to study so that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determine the costs needed to protect them. My can determine what infrastructural changes are office also secured over 700 thousand dollars needed to protect our region. from the Legislature to be reinvested into our community. This money will purchase mobile pumps that can be transported into flooded areas, construct a pump station in Pembroke Pines, and improve the potable water quality and drainage systems in Southwest Ranches. This coming session, I am requesting money from the Florida Legislature to improve the drainage systems in Weston and Southwest Ranches. I have filed an appropriation to repair the stormwater pump station in Weston which will keep roads open to emergency service vehicles before and after a storm. I am also working with the Town of Southwest Ranches on several projects. One project will install a drainage system into Ivanhoe Canal so that surrounding communities are hardened for storms. I am also proposing legislation to address the Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Project. The C&SF Project consists of nearly 2,600 miles of canals, numerous levees, and water control structures which provide flood protection for the South Florida region. It was designed over 70 years ago to serve an anticipated 2 million residents. Today, the C&SF Project now protects more than 11 million Floridians and over $359 billion of Florida’s economy in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties alone. Recently, the C&SF Project has been challenged by sea level rise and more intense rainfall; parts of the system require immediate upgrades to protect our region. In 2009, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) determined that 18 flood control structures of the C&SF Project were within six inches of design failure. 62 / 2022 Best of Pembroke Pines / OurCityMedia.com
South Florida has always been my home and we must take decisive action to protect our community for future generations. The successful operation of our flood control system is critical to daily life in South Florida. Florida needs to adapt to rising sea levels and enhance flood protection to preserve the region for our growing population and to maintain one-third of Florida’s economy. I am eager to hear your feedback on these bills and any other legislation you would like for me to introduce in the future. Learn about our legislation to improve Florida’s health care system, support our police, firefighters, and teachers, and expand tenant’s rights by visiting MyFloridaHouse.gov and clicking “Sponsored Bills” under my profile. If you have any ideas, questions, or concerns please reach out to me at Robin.Bartleman@ myfloridahouse.gov or call me at (954) 668- 3662. Sincerely,
Robin Bartleman
