Palmetto Bay, Fla. (May 21, 2019) – Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation, has issued the following statement applauding the actions of the House Appropriations Committee for passage of a spending bill that includes $200 million in funding to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Everglades restoration:
“The House Appropriations Committee today took a necessary first step in securing full federal funding for Everglades restoration by approving the Energy and Water Development spending bill including the necessary $200 million for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration — the amount needed to meet the federal commitment to the 50:50 partnership with the State of Florida.
“The key to real progress in Everglades restoration is completion of projects. Full and consistent funding from the federal government is imperative if we are to keep the conveyor belt of project planning, construction and completion on track. The House Appropriations Committee’s spending bill today puts us on a path to get there.
“We appreciate the work and support of our entire Florida Congressional delegation — particularly Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Lois Frankel, Mario Diaz-Balart, John Rutherford and Charlie Crist, who sit on the Appropriations Committee.
“Much work is still left to be done through the Senate and conference process, but we are optimistic that our policymakers in Washington realize that full and consistent funding is the best way to get the best return on investment.
“The sooner we can complete key restoration projects, the sooner we can reduce the discharge of polluted water to our coasts and restore the flow of clean freshwater south to Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.”
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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 about The Everglades Foundation, please visit EvergladesFoundation.org.