Eric Eikenberg, the CEO of The Everglades Foundation, has released the following statement in response to the Congress’ passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 and an omnibus year-end spending bill.
“This year’s water bill shows that, when it comes to restoring America’s Everglades, people of all political stripes can put their differences aside and work to improve our environment.
“This legislation goes further than any previous measure in protecting Florida’s coastal communities against algae-causing discharges of Lake Okeechobee water and takes major steps forward to ensure timely completion of the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir.
“We are especially pleased that the final measure includes an appropriation of $250 million for Everglades restoration, an essential first step as we begin to speed up construction and an improved baseline for future funding.
“On behalf of The Everglades Foundation, I want to express our gratitude to Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell and especially the members of the Florida Congressional delegation, Democrats and Republicans alike, who have helped advance this measure.”
The measure now moves to the President’s desk for signature.
By The Everglades Foundation
