Wasserman Schultz, Shalala, Frankel, Deutch Recognized by American Flood Coalition as Federal Champions, Strengthening Massive Statewide Movement To Address Flooding and Sea Level Rise
Members of Congress unite with 34 mayors in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties to fight for communities impacted by flooding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Flood Coalition today announced that Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Donna Shalala (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), and Ted Deutch (D-FL) have been recognized as Federal Champions for their commitment to finding proactive solutions to the challenges posed by rising seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. As American Flood Coalition Federal Champions, these Members of Congress join 34 mayors in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties in signaling their commitment to fight for the millions of Floridians impacted by flooding and sea level rise. Individuals across the state, including the Coalition’s more than 90 members in Florida, are clamoring for action on this issue, which threatens the state’s residents, economy, transportation systems, and military installations.
“South Florida is the front-line of rising sea levels. Higher tides, deadly storm surges, and hurricanes all threaten to submerge neighborhoods, erode beaches, and adversely impact military readiness,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “We must quickly come together and work towards climate solutions and adaptation measures, and we must provide disaster relief to help people when flooding does happen.”
“Sea level rise is already creating major challenges for Miami-Dade and Broward residents, and I look forward to working with our state and local leaders to develop national strategies to fight flooding, combat higher seas, and save our communities,” said Congresswoman Shalala.
“South Florida is increasingly at risk from rising sea levels, flooding, and serious storms that threaten our environment and economy. It will take bi-partisan efforts to find sustainable solutions to protect our communities,” said Congresswoman Frankel.
“Climate change is causing historic flooding in South Florida, even on days without a rain cloud in the sky. It demands bold and bipartisan action, and I’m thrilled to join the Flood Coalition to support our local communities in their efforts,” said Congressman Deutch.
“It is a tremendous pleasure to recognize Representatives Wasserman Schultz, Shalala, Frankel, and Deutch as Federal Champions,” said Melissa Roberts, Executive Director of the American Flood Coalition. “For years, their leadership has helped communities and businesses alike proactively prepare for rising seas, more frequent flooding, and more powerful storms. We are thrilled to see members of Congress across Florida joining so many of their local elected officials in support of national solutions to flooding.”
Today’s announcement follows the American Flood Coalition’s inaugural Florida Mayors Summit in Washington, DC, where members of the Florida Congressional Delegation joined 18 Florida mayors to discuss solutions to the urgent issue of flooding and sea level rise. The addition of these members of Congress brings the count of American Flood Coalition Federal Champions in Florida to 11 members of Congress, representing over 8 million Floridians in total.
Hurricanes and tropical storms frequently impact Florida’s 1,300 miles of vulnerable coastline, and sea levels are expected to rise an inch every two years. Since 2005, Florida homes have lost $5.42 billion in value due to flooding. Sea level rise poses a direct threat to Florida’s tourism industry, which employs over 1 million residents and generated over $10 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2017. Hurricanes have had a devastating impact on Southeast Florida, with Hurricane Irma causing a total of $50 billion in damages.
The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group of cities, elected officials, military leaders, businesses, and civic groups that have come together to drive adaptation to the reality of higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. Members of the Coalition work together on national solutions that support flood-affected communities, our nation’s residents, the U.S. economy, and military installations. The Coalition has over 190 members across 14 states.
Cities, towns, elected officials, businesses, and local leaders wishing to join the American Flood Coalition or read more about the organization’s work can visit the Coalition’s website (www.floodcoalition.org) to find out more.
