BRIAN J. MAST 2182 RAYBUHN House OFFICE BUILDING
18TH FLORIDA DC 20515
(202] 225-3025

COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION 171 SW FLAGLER AVENUE

Quantum of the written ?tates 

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

7901159. of iRepresentr-Itihca
Washington, SEMI: 20515?0918

July 27, 2017

Colonel Jason A. Kirk
District Commander

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
701 San Marco Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207

Dear Colonel Kirk:

Last summer the Treasure Coast experienced environmental disaster ?rsthand. As a result of
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers? discharges from Lake Okeechobee, guacamole-thick algae
plagued our community, threatened public health, decimated local businesses and killed wildlife.

Since the moment I was sworn into Congress, I have been working to ensure this does not
happen again. In addition to my work in Congress, I advocated passionately for the passage of
Florida State Senate Bill 10 (SB. 10) to construct a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. The
passage of SB. 10 was a landmark achievement for our community. You can understand,
therefore, why I was disappointed to learn of your request for a 30~day extension in responding
to South Florida Water Management District?s request to work together on the project.

I respect the importance of exploring all possible options before reaching a decision, and I
appreciate your desire to be thorough. From my time in the Army, however, I also understand
the importance of meeting deadlines. The bottom line is our community has waited long enough.

In your July 24, 2017 letter, you stated that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is ?working
through multiple options for the next steps.? Therefore, I am requesting an immediate
meeting with you to discuss the options the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are considering
and the issues you are working through. Furthermore, I request a status update
on the progress of this project for the duration of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers"
involvement.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this issue. I look forward to working together 011 this
supremely important project.

Respectfu?y


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an .I. Mast
Member of Congress

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