RELATED: More toxic water coverage | MAP: Algal blooms in Florida
Martin County said it is extending a local state of emergency for a third week due to toxic algae. The decision allows the government to streamline efforts to finance projects that could remedy the algae situation.
The decision came on the same day that Gov. Rick Scott sent a letter to Florida’s congressional delegation.
In the letter he outlined what he says Florida has done to protect water resources and the failure of the federal government to maintain and repair the Herbert Hoover Dike.
He said that "there is now an overwhelming need for the federal government to finally take action and uphold their responsibilities."
He asking the congressmen to take action and ensure Florida receives a federal emergency declaration and repair the dike which he says "would safely hold water to prevent unnatural Lake Okeechobee discharges that are leading to the increased formation of algae."
Martin Co. extends its local state of emergency for another 7 days (3rd wk) in response to toxic algae in our water pic.twitter.com/qo6urhg7ix
— Martin County BOCC (@MartinCountygov) July 12, 2016
