FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2000
Governor Jeb Bush And Department Of
Environmental Protection Secretary David Struhs Attend Historic
Everglades Bill Signing
WASHINGTON, D.C. - -Governor
Jeb Bush and Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Secretary David B. Struhs joined President Bill Clinton at
the White House today for the bill signing ceremony of Senate
Bill 2796, the Water Resources Development Act.
"The
restoration of America's Everglades has been one of my
administration's top priorities," Governor Bush said.
"I congratulate the U.S. Congress for its broad
bipartisan support of this legislation, especially Florida's
Congressional delegation, as well as the U.S. Department of
the Interior and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their
involvement in achieving this important milestone for
Everglades restoration."
S2796, which
includes the Everglades Restoration bill, will work to
restore the unique national treasure that is America's
Everglades. Both houses of Congress passed the bill by an
overwhelming majority after lengthy negotiations.
The new law
authorizes the Federal Government to pay for half of the
total cost of the nearly $8 billion project. The remaining
half will be funded proportionately between statewide and
South Florida resources. It includes a Florida commitment of
more than $200 million annually. In addition, the state has
established the Everglades trust fund to help build future
reserves for restoration.
"With this
signing, the federal-state partnership, which Florida
proposed nearly a year ago, will now begin," Secretary
Struhs said. "Florida's leadership in preserving the
Everglades has been monumental. Since 1947, the State has
purchased almost 3.4 million acres of conservation lands in
the greater Everglades ecosystem at a cost of over $1.1
billion. That is in addition to the $2.2 billion that has
been spent on restoration and protection activities. Now, as
partners, the state of Florida and the Federal Government can
expand the progress thus far and achieve even greater
success."
Also in attendance
at today’s bill signing were members of the Florida
Congressional delegation and other members of Congress.
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