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Rose Bay
    Rose Bay is an estuary of national significance that was polluted, in part, by the old U.S. 1 causeway which blocked the natural waterflow of the bay.  In 1996, local, state and federal agencies began working on a variety of projects intended to help restore Rose Bay.  Over the past 5 years, much progress has been made. A sewer system north of the bay was installed by the City of Port Orange.  Stormwater management facilities were built by Volusia County.  Through Congressman Mica's efforts, the State and federal governments also became involved.

     At Mica's urging, the planned replacement of the bridges on U.S. 1 over Rose Bay was redesigned by the Florida Department of Transportation to allow the bay's water flow to resume.  FDOT is now preparing to demolish the causeway under the existing U.S. 1 bridge, replacing that traffic throughway by extending the northernmost bridge. 

     For the final phase of Rose Bay's restoration, Mica also requested and secured an agreement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to demolish the old U.S. 1 causeway and dredge the bay itself.

     With $450,000 secured by the Congressman since 1997, the Corps has completed the federal studies required for this work and should begin demolition and dredging soon. Once these activities are finished, it will take some years for the natural ecosystem to restore itself.

     A "Celebration of Rose Bay's Restoration" was held on April 27, 2001 and marked the groundbreaking of the Rose Bay Restoration Project.  The event included officials from the City of Port Orange, Volusia County,the Halifax/Indian River Task Force, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Transportation.