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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is getting push back on its plans for the management of Lake Okeechobee discharges.
At a meeting with the Palm Beach County Commission yesterday, the Corps gave details of "Alternative CC," which will cut releases to the St. Lucie estuary by about 2-thirds, and send more water south.
"This plan sends the least amount of water to Congressman Brian Mast's district, it's no surprise that he would support this plan, while instead increasing flows significantly to the Caloosahatchee (River), penalizing the Lake Okeechobee fishing community."
Clewiston City Commissioner Hillary Hyslope claims the plan would also waste water that could be used for the environment, agricultural water supply and drinking water for South Florida.
"I'm disappointed that the Corps has produced a plan heavily touted by so-called environmental activists and Brian Mast. A plan that could potentially harm Florida's economy."
Congressman Mast has pushed for the plan.
The Army Corps is collecting feedback from the many communities that will be affected by "Alternative CC" before finalizing the plan, which will then be in place for ten years.