STATEMENT FROM JULIE HILL-GABRIEL, AUDUBON FLORIDA DIRECTOR OF EVERGLADES POLICY:

President Barack Obama's budget request of $195 million from the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Department of Interior for the Everglades is a step in the right direction for our River of Grass. While this funding level is lower than levels requested in the past, it represents an increase over the amount requested in FY 2015. If approved, major construction on important projects like Kissimmee River Restoration and the C-44 Reservoir will be advanced with this federal funding.

The recently released 2014 South Florida Wading Bird Report from the South Florida Water Management District showed a 28% overall decline in wading birds across the Everglades. Audubon scientists considered this a call for faster progress on Everglades restoration. Audubon is pleased to see President Obama focus his budget on Everglades projects that will improve water quality and restore vital habitat.