Barry Law Environmental and Earth Law Journal

On November 15th, 2021, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (“BIL”) into effect. [1] The BIL is America’s “largest ever investment in” our infrastructure, water, and environmental programs, totaling over 450 billion dollars, which will provide funding for “over 56,000 specific projects and awards” across the United States. [2]Florida is receiving “$16.2 billion” for various state projects. [3] A record “$995 million” of the funding granted has been provided to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (“FDEP”) in order to support South Florida’s communities and environment to assist in the improvement of drinking water and “water infrastructure.” [4] Moreover, the Army in support of the BIL, has provided over $1.1 billion to help restore Florida’s everglades ecosystem. [5] As South Florida stands to benefit tremendously from these initiatives, let’s explore them below.

Clean Water Initiatives:

Of the total funding provided to FDEP, “$366.4 million” is dedicated to removing lead pipes and replacing service lines in an effort to address dangerous chemicals called PFAS. [6] Commonly found in water, exposure to these long-lasting chemicals can lead to serious health problems for humans and animals. [7] Although these PFAS are no longer used in the U.S., they “were extensively used and manufactured since the 1940s.” [8] Therefore, the effects continue to linger in communities drinking water, like South Florida. The BIL’s dedication to removing the lead pipes will significantly reduce the risk of exposure, ensuring Floridians have access to safe drinking water for generations to come.

Furthermore, “$229.8 million” of the funding is being used to invest in “safe drinking water” initiatives, including upgrading outdated water filtration systems in an effort to prevent future contamination and safeguard the public’s health. [9]

Everglades Restoration: The Resilience Project

In addition to the drinking water improvements, the BIL is providing nearly 1.1 billion in funding toward restoring the Florida Everglades, an iconic and ecologically rich wetland that spans two million acres. [10] The Army, in collaboration with local environmental groups, will work together to undo “years of human development” which has inversely affected the Everglades and has altered the natural flow patterns for fresh water.” [11] Once implemented the project “will help regulate the inflows and outflows of water that are the lifeline of this ecosystem, helping restore the rich biodiversity of the Everglades.” [12] Moreover, as the wetlands begin to thrive again, they will be able to “filter out pollution to improve water quality for the one-third of Floridians who rely on the Everglades for drinking water and will help improve resilience to flooding that impacts the state.” [13]

A Cleaner, More Resilient Future for South Florida

Ultimately, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (“BIL”) initiatives in clean water infrastructure and environmental restoration will provide South Florida with the opportunity to safeguard the health of its residents and tackle decades of ecological damage with its historic investment. 

Written by Ariana Diaz, Associate Editor 2024-2025.