Rutherford Joins The American Flood Coalition

Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Rutherford (FL-04) is pleased to announce he is joining the American Flood Coalition, 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 through national solutions that support flood-affected communities and protect our nation's residents, economy, and military installations.

"Sea level rise impacts our many coastal communities and military installations in Northeast Florida," said Rutherford. "The flooding we have experienced in recent years threatens individual property, national security, and our local economy. I am proud to join the American Flood Coalition and work in a bipartisan way to find solutions to sea level rise."

Also joining the coalition are fellow Northeast Florida Representatives Al Lawson (FL-05) and Michael Waltz (FL-06).

"It's rare and encouraging to see our Congressional leaders take proactive action to address the challenges of flooding and sea level rise in a regional and bipartisan manner," said Melissa Roberts, Executive Director of the American Flood Coalition. "We're grateful for the leadership of Congressmen Rutherford, Lawson, and Waltz and look forward to advancing practical national solutions that support flood-affected communities and protect the nation's residents, economy, and military installations."

Florida's 4th District is home to both Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport, where over 25,000 active duty personnel and 66,000 family members live. Sea level rise is expected to increase the risk of flooding faced by the bases, in addition to other locations throughout the First Coast. Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport are critical to the local economy, with spending by the Department of Defense driving more than $11 billion of gross regional product and providing more than 100,000 jobs in the state. Sea level rise and flooding in Northeast Florida will also impact our coastal communities, beaches, and unique cities such as St. Augustine that attract millions of visitors and residents to the region every year.