President Obama released the proposed federal budget today and included significant funding for Everglades restoration projects. This funding is necessary and important to continue efforts to restore habitats for abundant colonies of birds and other wildlife that the world’s most unique wetland system once supported.  In a tough financial environment, the federal government’s $263 million request for Everglades funding in FY 2011, which is an increase over the appropriations received in FY 2010, demonstrates the Obama Administration’s continued support for, and commitment to, Everglades restoration.

The funding requested in the FY 2011 budget for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and related restoration activities will complete some projects and allow others to begin construction, which is essential to produce the ecological benefits necessary to restore health to the unique Everglades ecosystem.

Audubon applauds the dedication and commitment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Department of Interior (DOI) to restoring America’s Everglades. With continued support for key restoration projects, visible ecological benefits and wildlife recovery will be achieved throughout the Everglades.