For Immediate Release
September 28th, 2018
STATEMENT FROM CEO ERIC EIKENBERG ON THE SR 836 EXTENSION VOTE
Palmetto Bay, Fla. — We are disappointed that the Miami Dade County Commission voted to approve the SR 836 Extension today given the lack of transparency and clarity for the public about the scope and impacts of this massive new highway outside the Urban Development Boundary and on the edge of America’s Everglades. We appreciate the leadership of the four Commissioners who voted against the project and the efforts of Commissioner Sosa to address Everglades concerns during today’s deliberations.
We applaud the efforts of US Senator Marco Rubio to raise concerns about the Everglades and we thank him for securing provisions aimed at reducing the impacts that the expansion SR 836 will have on Everglades restoration. We believe that Senator Rubio’s continued leadership at the federal level will increase the likelihood that conflicts between this massive highway and the Everglades in future permitting processes will be adequately addressed.
Unfortunately, the County’s approval leaves significant areas of uncertainty for the Everglades, including details about land acquisition commitments, wetland and wildlife impacts, and encroaching development. The policies adopted today to protect the Everglades from these threats are subject to future Commissions agreeing to uphold them. The Everglades Foundation will aggressively defend the Everglades in future permitting and planning processes for this road and for other development in the area, and we will continue to urge the County, and all branches of the state and federal governments to protect the Everglades from the direct and cumulative impacts of this multi-lane highway.
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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.
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