FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 8, 2003
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112
$2 Million
for Florida Environmental Learning Center
– House approves federal funds to
complete education center construction at Research Reserve –
ST. AUGUSTINE - The 20,000 square-foot
Environmental Education Center at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas
National Estuarine Research Reserve drew closer to a reality
with a $2 million contribution from the U.S. House of
Representatives. Part of the omnibus spending measure passed
today by the House, the federal funds would help complete
construction of the multi-million dollar facility started
last year. The U.S. Senate is expected to take up the bill in
January.
“This state-of-the art learning center will provide each
visitor with a window into the importance of protecting our
nation’s estuaries,” said Department of Environmental
Protection Secretary David B. Struhs. “Representative John
Mica is to be commended for helping Florida turn this vision
into a reality.”
When complete, the $5 million education center will
contain two classrooms, a reference library, teaching and
working wet laboratories, aquariums, an auditorium and an
outdoor deck overlooking the Guana River. From kindergarten
to university, programs will be offered to students of all
ages, along with adults and environmental professionals.
Science courses will also be available to school teachers.
“With these additional funds, the Environmental Education
Center could be up and running by the end of next year,” said
Kenneth Berk, Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine
Research Reserve manager. “The interpretive displays,
education programs and Coastal Training Programs will provide
students, adults and natural resource decision-makers with a
better understanding of the importance of protecting coastal
lands and waters.”
Established four years ago by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, the Guana Tolomato Matanzas
National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of only 26
reserves in the nation. Spanning three rivers, the reserve
encompasses over 60,000 acres of salt marsh and mangrove
tidal wetlands, oyster bars, estuarine lagoons and uplands.
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