June 2021
FACT SHEET
Removal of Aquatic Growth (O&M)
Operations and Maintenance
Congressional Districts: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25
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
| Allocation for FY21 |
$3,432,000 |
| President’s Budget FY21 |
$3,449,000 |
3. SPONSOR
100% Federal Cost
4. STATUS
FY 2021 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 16,500 acres of invasive, exotic vegetation is controlled each year.