In a last-ditch effort to gain congressional approval of local Everglades restoration projects, Martin County officials flew to Washington on Tuesday to meet with federal officials.

Gary Roderick, director of the county's water quality office, said three commissioners, along with representatives of the South Florida Water Management District and Audubon of Florida, plan to lobby today and Thursday for the passage of a bill including $1.2 billion in Martin and St. Lucie county water quality projects.

The projects — which include reservoirs, stormwater cleansing areas and preservation of more than 90,000 acres of wetlands — have yet to gain authorization or funding from Congress, despite being included in legislation for five years.

"It's time for the federal government to put its money where its mouth is," said Commissioner Sarah Heard, who traveled to Washington along with commissioners Susan Valliere and Doug Smith. "This is the closest we've been in six years. We just can't let it die on the vine."

Just weeks before the 109th Congress adjourns, local officials hope it will pass the Water Resources Development Act, currently in limbo as the Senate and House negotiate differences in their respective versions.

While local projects are in both versions of the bill, controversial issues such as improvements to the Mississippi River could keep the legislation from reaching a vote, Roderick said.

If that is the case, Martin County representatives plan to work with lawmakers to support separate legislation to authorize and possibly fund the local projects.

In the meantime, Roderick said residents can help by continuing to write lawmakers in support of the bill. More information can be found at www.martin.fl.us.

"It's definitely crunch time," he said. "We haven't heard anything that would say it's not on track, but anytime you get this late in the session, it certainly warrants some anxiety."

COMMISSIONERS GO TO WASHINGTON

Martin County officials are scheduled to meet:

• The deputy assistant director of the energy, science and water division of the Office of Management and Budget.

• Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fort Lauderdale).

• Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Miami).

• Assistant to Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-Mo.), who is working closely with legislation that includes local Everglades projects.

• Chief of staff to Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.)

• Assistant deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior.

• Senior counsel for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.