The Obama Administration’s FY 2012 budget released today proposes to allocate $271.5 million for the Everglades, including planning and construction of restoration projects that will create not only the ecological benefits, but also the jobs and economic benefits that are so desperately needed.

The funding proposal proves that the federal government recognizes the win-win nature of Everglades restoration.

“As the largest ongoing construction project in South Florida, this is an investment in the future that will not just result in more vacant housing units, but will recover the abundance of wildlife that make the Everglades an international treasure,” said Julie Hill-Gabriel, Audubon’s Senior Everglades Policy Associate.

According to government job creation calculations, the funding proposed in this budget would create between 2200 and 2900 jobs in FY 2012, while advancing essential restoration projects such as bridging Tamiami Trail to provide more natural freshwater flows to Everglades National Park, and restoring 55,000 acres of wetlands in Southwest Florida.

Audubon applauds the continued dedication and commitment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Interior to restoring America’s Everglades. As the funding process moves forward, Audubon will continue working to garner support for key restoration projects that will provide measurable ecological benefits and wildlife recovery.

Read coverage from the Palm Beach Post here.