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TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida today applauded actions taken by Congress
to override a veto of the long-awaited Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA
2007). After successful override votes by both the House of Representatives and
Senate, WRDA 2007 immediately became law.
WRDA 2007 authorizes a number of projects critical to Florida that have been
awaiting federal authorization and funding - including important components for
Everglades restoration and the South Florida ecosystem - and brings these
projects a major step closer to completion. Today’s legislation is the first
reauthorization of WRDA legislation since 2000.
“We are grateful to Congress for recognizing the unique environmental needs
of this nationally protected ecosystem of 18,000 square miles,” said Florida
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael W. Sole. “We will work
with the Florida Legislature, all members of Congress, the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and the environmental community to continue our collective commitment
to restoration of America’s Everglades and achieve stellar environmental and
economic benefits.”
The passage authorizes new projects under the 30-year, $10.9 million
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), as well as includes necessary
language to fund previously authorized projects at today’s costs. In addition,
WRDA authorizes other vital projects for Florida including the Indian River
Lagoon Project, Picayune Strand restoration, Site 1 Impoundment Project,
dredging projects as well as water reuse and supply projects.
Restoring America’s Everglades is reviving habitat for more than 60
threatened and endangered species, establishing a reliable supply of water for
millions of Floridians and providing flood control consistent with the
restoration. To date, Florida has invested close to $2 billion in CERP, the
50/50 state and federal partnership to restore and protect the Everglades.
Demonstrating its continued commitment to restoring America’s Everglades,
Florida’s 2007-08 budget signed by Governor Crist includes $200 million for the
restoration and protection of the River of Grass, allocating $100 million for
Everglades restoration and $54 million for the restoration of Lake Okeechobee as
well as $40 million to protect the health of the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie
estuaries. |
