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Rep. Brian Mast to update public on Lake Okeechobee reservoir

Posted at 6:44 AM, Aug 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-25 06:54:49-04

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast is expected Friday to outline the latest plans to build a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee.

The update will come after a meeting Mast requested with the Army Corps of Engineers. 

The congressman says he asked for the meeting after the Corps said it needed more time to think over plans. 

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That did not sit well with Mast who said Treasure Coast residents have waited long enough.

This summer Senate Bill 10 was signed into law approving the construction of a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee.

The law set an Aug. 1 deadline requiring the Corps and South Florida Water Management District to start working together.

The Corps said they need more time, but Mast says he plans on discussing it with them. He is also asking for monthly updates from the Corps as long as they are involved in the project.

So far this year, the Treasure Coast has not seen the crisis it experienced along the St. Lucie River last summer.

The Corps however hasn't ruled out discharges, which are possible if water in the lake continues to rise. 

The Corps is currently considering diverting farmland runoff from Martin County to the south fork of the St. Lucie River.