For Immediate Release Thursday September 12, 2018
Everglades Foundation’s CEO Praises Congressional Action on Everglades Restoration
“Everglades Restoration is Solution to Water Crisis”
Palmetto Bay, Fla. — Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation, has issued the following statement in response to the House of Representatives’ passage of two key pieces of legislation critical to moving Everglades Restoration forward. First, the House passed the 2018 America’s Water Infrastructure Act, authorizing the Everglades Reservoir. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. In a separate measure, the House passed the final appropriations act that funds the Army Corps of Engineers Everglades Restoration program. Passed by the Senate last night 95-2, that bill now goes to President Trump for his signature.
“For nearly two decades, policymakers and scientists have all agreed that Everglades restoration is the real solution to Florida’s water crisis – its perennial algae blooms, the degradation of its coastal estuaries and the gradual destruction of America’s Everglades. The Everglades Reservoir is a critical part of Everglades Restoration and is aimed specifically at dramatically reducing harmful discharges to our coastal estuaries and to sending clean water south to Florida Bay.
“We are pleased that the House and Senate included Everglades Restoration funding in Congress’ 2019 budget. In 2016, thanks to 75 percent of Florida voters who amended their constitution to increase conservation funding, Florida made Everglades restoration a funding priority. We look forward to working with President Trump, and the Florida delegation, particularly our appropriators, Senator Rubio and Representatives Diaz-Balart, Rutherford and Wasserman-Schultz, to match Florida’s funding commitment of $200 million per year for restoration starting in the next budget cycle.
“With these two pieces of legislation, Congress has brought us closer to implementing the next phases of restoration. We thank and congratulate the Members of both Houses and their staffs who are responsible for this effort.
“Most importantly, we acknowledge the persistent efforts of tens of thousands of Floridians and other Americans who love our state: anglers, realtors, conservationists, representatives of the hospitality industry and ordinary citizens who want to rid our waterways of toxic algae. They have been relentless in demanding action from the Florida Legislature, Governor Scott, the Trump Administration and Members of Congress.
“Now, all eyes turn toward the United States Senate and President Trump: on behalf of tens of thousands of Americans who cherish the Sunshine State, we call on the upper Chamber to move forward with its version of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act and for the President to sign both bills into law.”
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About The Everglades Foundation
The Everglades Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to leading efforts to restore and protect the greater Everglades ecosystem. Since its founding in 1993 by a group of local outdoor enthusiasts, the Foundation has become a respected and important advocate for the sustainability of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. For more information, please visit EvergladesFoundation.org.