Removal of Aquatic Growth (O&M)

May 2023

FACT SHEET

Removal of Aquatic Growth (O&M)
Operations and Maintenance
Congressional Districts: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

1. DESCRIPTION

This project provides annual mission essential prevention, control and removal of nuisance aquatic vegetation impacting, obstructing, or threatening navigation in the federal navigation channels of the St. Johns, Kissimmee, Withlacoochee, Ocklawaha, and Crystal rivers in addition to the Okeechobee Waterway. This includes approximately 600 miles of channel with 650,000 surface acres. Operational priority is given to controlling floating nuisance vegetation in order to keep the principal navigable waterways and locks open for navigation. Additionally, this vegetation displaces native species, changing community structure and altering ecological functions potentially impacting threatened and endangered species including the Everglades Snail Kite, Okeechobee gourd and the wood stork. These invasive species also interfere with operations and maintenance to levees and canals and compromise the integrity of the navigation and flood control structures.

2. FUNDING

a. Regular Civil Works funds:

Allocation for FY23 $3,532,000
President's Budget FY24 $3,656,000

 

b. P.L. 117-43: Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act 2022, Supplemental:

Allocation for FY23 $120,000

 

3. SPONSOR

100% Federal Cost

4. STATUS

FY 2023 funds will be used for commonly performed O&M work. This project is conducted on a continual basis throughout the fiscal year maintaining navigation in designated federal navigation channels and projects. An average of 16,500 acres of invasive, exotic vegetation is controlled each year. $1,000,000 of work plan funding will be utilized on contracts to manage, survey, and develop geospatial data capabilities involving the removal of invasive vegetation. 

P.L. 117-43, Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act 2022, Supplemental, funding will be used to repair damages due to Hurricane Ian. Funds will be used for emergency removal of tussocks and critical repairs to Building SF 83 at Julian Keen Jr. Lock and Dam. Funds will supplement additional labor costs required to keep floating invasive wildlife under maintenance control and prevent blockages and damage to water control structures.