Speak Up for Biscayne Bay and Miami-Dade’s Last Wild Lands Before September 3rd
This September, the Miami-Dade County Commission will make two important budget decisions that will shape our environment for decades: how much to invest in protecting our remaining wild lands, and whether to adequately fund the infrastructure that helps keep sewage out of Biscayne Bay.
1. Fund the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program at $20 million
The Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program protects some of Miami-Dade County’s last remaining natural areas—places that provide wildlife habitat, support our drinking water, and make our communities more resilient to flooding and storms.
Today, the program protects more than 89 preserves across 29,000+ acres, but EEL funding has declined dramatically (37%-54%) in just the last two years. When funding falls short, Miami-Dade loses opportunities to protect these lands. Property prices rise, development continues, and once these natural areas are gone, we can’t get them back.
A coalition including Miami Waterkeeper, Tropical Audubon Society, Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity, and a dozen other organizations is asking the Board of County Commissioners to restore EEL funding to $20 million for FY 2026-27.
2. Invest in the Water and Sewer System that Protects Biscayne Bay
Keeping sewage out of Biscayne Bay requires functioning pipes, treatment plants, pumps, and other infrastructure — and much of Miami-Dade’s system needs significant investment.
The County is considering a 6% adjustment to water and sewer rates to invest in our sewage infrastructure, which treats millions of gallons of wastewater every day. For the average resident, that amounts to about 12 cents a day.
That investment helps Miami-Dade replace aging infrastructure, reduce the risk of sewage spills, and complete major projects required to safely manage our wastewater.
When we don’t invest in this infrastructure, the consequences can end up in our waterways. Sewage spills and nutrient pollution contribute to poor water quality, algal blooms, seagrass loss, and fish kills in Biscayne Bay.
That’s why Miami Waterkeeper is asking the Board of County Commissioners to invest in our water and properly fund WASD.
Take Action Before September 3
Add your name to urge the Board of County Commissioners to:
- Fund the EEL Program at $20 million
- Approve the 6% WASD retail rate adjustment
These are investments in the places and infrastructure that protect our drinking water, Biscayne Bay, and the natural areas that make Miami-Dade home.