Port Everglades Navigation Improvement Program (PENIP)
Project of National Significance Infrastructure Investment
The Port Everglades Navigation Improvements Program (PENIP), led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE), is a federal infrastructure project to deepen and widen critical shipping channels and turning basins at Port Everglades. In 2023 the cost for this initiative was estimated at $1.35 Billion. This strategic modernization will unlock long-overdue economic potential, increase maritime safety, support national energy security, and maintain Port Everglades’ global competitiveness.
Increasing Access to Homeownership and Promoting Fair Housing through Legislative Reform
The United States is experiencing a housing affordability crisis due to a critical shortage of housing inventory, outdated tax policy, and barriers to development. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) proposes targeted statutory reforms to expand housing access, promote fair housing, support commercial revitalization, and protect the professional status of real estate agents.
Engagement Center for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Since the 1990s, downtown Fort Lauderdale has faced recurring homeless encampments near Stranahan Park and the Broward County Main Library. Early enforcement efforts failed to address root causes, but by 2017 the city shifted to a housing-first model, successfully transitioning 82 individuals into permanent housing through the Home for the Holidays initiative.
Today, homelessness remains a pressing challenge, with more than 1,800 individuals affected in Broward County amid rising housing costs, inflation, and limited affordable options. A major gap is the lack of a centralized daytime hub for coordinated services. The proposed Engagement Center would provide comprehensive, low-barrier support—behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, counseling, recovery, workforce readiness, and housing connections—through an integrated, wraparound approach.
This project aligns with federal goals to end homelessness, reduce system-wide costs, and improve health equity. Expected outcomes include fewer public disturbances, reduced emergency reliance, declines in encampments, stronger agency collaboration, and greater community well-being—ultimately fostering long-term stability for Broward County’s most vulnerable residents.
Continued Funding for Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME)
The Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program provides essential federal support for the training of pediatric residents at freestanding children’s hospitals like Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Despite training nearly half of the nation’s pediatric subspecialists in over 1000 training programs, these 59 hospitals receive significantly less federal GME support compared to adult teaching hospitals. Continued CHGME funding is vital to ensuring access to a robust pediatric workforce nationwide.
Section 203 C&SF Flood Resiliency Study For Broward Basins
We support seeking the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) authorization of the project
recommendations and appropriations to advance final design and construction of recommended
improvements. The requested funding cannot be estimated at this time and will be available in early 2026.
Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization Legislative Priorities 2026
Every year, the Broward MPO reviews its legislative priorities to align with the federal needs of ourselves and partners across the United States. Our legislative priorities for 2026 are to increase planning funds to meet Federal planning requirements, MPO’s becoming direct recipients for certain federal funds, reducing local match for federal transportation programs, allowing for carryover of federal funds, and shifting certain discretionary funding to formula funding. These priorities refl ect the shared needs of MPOs nationwide and will strengthen our ability to deliver future-ready, resilient, and reliable transportation systems.
• The HELP Act would strengthen and modernize the 2-1-1 and 9-8-8 hotline systems, which provide vital mental health, crisis, and human service referrals to millions of Americans.
• With increased demand for behavioral health and support services, the bill ensures call centers can meet the need through sustainable funding, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development.
NSU Oceanography Wharf Renewal
NSU is launching the Wharf Renewal and Seagrass Mitigation Project to address environmental and
operational challenges to its wharf and breakwater areas (also referred to as a groin). This initiative aims
to create a dedicated berth for research vessels and enhance the long-term utility of the wharf, while
also mitigating the seagrass habitats proximate to the proposed Port Everglades navigational
improvements.
Bipartisan Charitable Giving Act
We request support for the Bipartisan Charitable Giving Act—U.S. Senate Bill S.566 and U.S. House Bill H.R.3435—sponsored in the Senate by Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) and Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), and in the House by Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) and Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL).
Ensuring LIHEAP Works for Florida
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), established in 1981 and administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provides block grant funding to states to assist low-income households with home energy costs. The program is funded annually through the appropriations process and is not an entitlement program. Congress funded LIHEAP at $4.045 billion in FY 2026.
LIHEAP has not been meaningfully reauthorized or modernized in over 40 years. Without reform, the program will continue to misalign with current demographic realities and public health risks.