Audubon commends the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for its decision to allocate over $100 million in stimulus funding to Everglades restoration projects. This funding will not only kick start the federal government’s commitment to Everglades restoration; it will also provide jobs in project construction throughout Florida.
The funding allocation from the federal economic stimulus, signed by President Barack Obama in February, will be directed at Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects such as $41.3 million for the Site 1 and $40.8 million for Picayune Strand. The funding will also help aid non-CERP projects such as $7.5 million for Kissimmee River Restoration.
America’s Everglades is the only ecosystem of its kind in the world. The restoration of this wetland system, which is home to more than 60 threatened or endangered species, will improve wildlife habitat and protect and restore freshwater supplies. The Everglades provides the water for millions of South Floridians residing in urban areas, and therefore; the sustainability of Everglades ecology is essential to protecting Florida’s economy.
Audubon thanks Col. “Rock” Salt, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, and the Florida federal congressional delegation, for their continued dedication to Everglades restoration. They helped ensure that Everglades restoration projects were prioritized as essential recipients of stimulus funding.
Moving forward, Audubon will continue to call upon the federal government to meet its commitment to Everglades restoration by appropriating sufficient funding for additional projects so critical to the recovery of this unique wetland ecosystem.
