NOTICIAS

Washington, D.C. — U.S Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) reintroduced the Sand Acquisition, Nourishment, and Development (SAND) Act, which could make it more cost-effective to replenish Southeast Florida’s economically-valuable beaches. Specifically, the SAND Act would modernize an outdated law to give the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers greater flexibility in evaluating and acquiring non-domestic sand for federal beach renourishment projects. For counties in Florida, including those impacted by hurricanes, this could provide a cheaper and more environmentally-friendly alternative to trucking in sand. It could also alleviate demand and extend the useful life of some offshore domestic sand sources, including those off the Treasure Coast. Rubio first introduced the SAND Act in February 2017. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
 
“Florida’s beautiful beaches draw visitors from around the world and are vital to our state’s local economies,” Rubio said. “Healthy beaches also provide an essential buffer to severe weather that affects Florida’s coastal communities. The SAND Act could improve beach renourishment efforts by encouraging greater flexibility in acquiring the best and environmentally compatible sand for Florida beaches at the best value for federal, state, and local taxpayers.”
 
Related: 

• September 11, 2019: Rubio Reintroduces the SAND Act to Modernize Florida Beach Renourishment Efforts
• February 3, 2017: South Florida County Leaders Support Rubio’s SAND Act
• February 3, 2017: Rubio Bill Targets Outdated Law That Impedes Beach Replenishment Efforts