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Florida lawmakers make bipartisan bid for Everglades cash

E&E News, October 21, 2024

Wide-angle, aerial photograph of the Florida Everglades at sunset, with birds flying overhead.

Florida lawmakers from both parties are urging the next administration to seek robust funding for Everglades restoration in its fiscal 2026 budget request. A letter Thursday to the Army Corps of Engineers seeks at least $725 million. It was signed by 21 members of the state's delegation.


“We hope the FY26 President’s budget, with your input, will continue the bold vision for Everglades restoration — a banner example of America’s ability to restore the environment, and in doing so support the economy, livelihood, and way of life for millions in Florida," the letter said.


[Cont'd] Bradley Watson, vice president of policy at The Everglades Foundation, said the amount requested by Florida lawmakers is guided by the Integrated Delivery Schedule, a road map for planning, designing and constructing restoration projects in the Everglades. All told, the restoration plan is a 50-50 partnership between the state and federal government, with Florida covering roughly half the cost.


“The shared bipartisan investment to restore America’s Everglades between Washington and Tallahassee is a powerful force driving restoration,” Watson said in an email.



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