Staff report

TCPalm

This story has been updated from its previous version.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to receive $1 million to respond to communities facing health issues because of blue-green algae exposure.

The funding is part of a U.S. Senate spending bill passed Tuesday night. Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson of Florida pushed for the funding.

The U.S. House of Representatives and President Donald Trump have to sign off on the funding.

More:TCPalm's complete coverage of the algae crisis

A special priority would be given to any locations that are subject to a "state of emergency" designation within the previous 12 months because of blooms. In Florida, 13 counties affected by algal blooms this summer fall under that designation.

More: All 70 people tested had algae toxins in their noses

Some blooms in the St. Lucie River have high levels of the toxin microcystin, according to test results of water samples taken by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

More:One bloom was 50 times above the "safe" level

The toxin can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested and rash or hay fever symptoms if touched or inhaled. Drinking water with the toxin can cause long-term liver disease.

More:Tests confirm algae killed dog, sickened others

This is what the funding could be used for, according to Rubio spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas: