Florida Reps. Crist, Bilirakis Join American Flood Coalition

WASHINGTON, July 1 -- Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Florida, issued the following news release:

Congressmen Charlie Crist and Gus Bilirakis have joined the American Flood Coalition, a nonpartisan alliance to address the growing threat of flooding and sea level rise. Crist, a St. Petersburg Democrat, and Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican represent portions of Florida's Gulf Coast in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, including all of Pinellas County.

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, coastal communities in greater Tampa Bay are projected to experience roughly 4-5 inches of sea level rise over the next 15 years. Flood-prone properties in St. Petersburg lost an estimated $244 million in value due to flooding and rising sea levels since 2005, and are projected to lose an additional $280 million over the next 15 years. In 2016, Tropical Storm Hermine caused significant destruction throughout the Tampa Bay area, with an estimated $89 million in damages throughout Pasco County alone.

"Flooding is the costliest and most common natural disaster in the U.S. - claiming lives, damaging households and businesses, and straining government agencies," said Congressman Crist. "I'm proud to join the American Flood Coalition, an effort to bridge party lines and levels of government to promote and enact practical solutions to this common, growing threat. I look forward to teaming up with this new coalition to do everything in our power to build stronger, smarter, flood-proof communities."

"Flooding greatly impacts the lives of many of my constituents," said Congressman Bilirakis. "As their voice in Washington, I am committed to ensuring access to affordable flood insurance and continued investment in the infrastructure improvements needed to prevent future flooding."

With Congressmen Crist and Bilirakis joining, the American Flood Coalition's contingent of Federal Champions has grown to 17 members. The Coalition already has local membership in the area, as the cities of St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach are members of the Coalition.

"I am thrilled to welcome Congressmen Bilirakis and Crist to the Coalition," said Melissa Roberts, Executive Director of the American Flood Coalition. "Both Congressman Bilirakis and Congressman Crist have long dedicated themselves to helping families and businesses along Florida's Gulf Coast to address the threat posed by flooding and rising sea levels. With 7 bipartisan members of Florida's Congressional delegation and over 60 local members in Florida displaying a commitment to working together through the Coalition, we can champion proactive solutions to the challenges facing our communities."

The American Flood Coalition is 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.

Cities, towns, elected officials, businesses, and local leaders wishing to join the American Flood Coalition or read more about the organization's work can visit the coalition's website (https://floodcoalition.org/) to find out more.