Congress Overrides Veto of Water Resources Development Act Of 2007

Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives overrode the President’s veto of the 2007 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The WRDA authorization will bring a number of critical Florida projects one step closer to implementation, including important components of Everglades Restoration.

“Today is a great day for Florida and the Everglades ecosystem,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “We are one step closer to our goal of restoring the South Florida Ecosystem and other critical natural habitats. I would like to thank our entire Florida Congressional delegation for tirelessly working to get this legislation to the finish line.”

The passage authorizes projects under the 30-year, $10.9 million Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), including the Indian River Lagoon Project, Picayune Strand restoration and Site 1 Impoundment Project. In addition, the legislation modifies previously authorized projects to reflect today’s costs, authorizes dredging projects as well as water reuse and supply projects.

“We are grateful to Congress for recognizing the critical environmental needs of Florida,” said Secretary Michael W. Sole. “We stand ready to work side by side with Congress, the Florida delegation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Legislature to continue our commitment to Everglades restoration and achieving the environmental and economic benefits for the entire South Florida Ecosystem.”

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 ecosystem.

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 Great Everglades Ecosystem, 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.

For more information on Everglades Restoration, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/evergladesforever/.