Everglades Restoration To Receive $1.1 Billion in Federal Funds

A $1.1-billion federal investment in conservation and rehabilitation efforts in the Florida Everglades will help local authorities improve water quality and eliminate sources of pollution that are destroying the ecosystem, reports Amy Green. In addition to its value as a unique and biodiverse ecosystem, the Everglades is "a watershed responsible for the drinking water of more than 8 million Floridians."

"The money also is intended to fortify the Everglades against the rising seas and other impacts of climate change. The funding is part of the infrastructure measure President Joe Biden signed into law in November and represents the single largest investment ever in Everglades restoration, according to the White House." 

"Conspicuously missing from the list is one that is considered crucial in restoring the Everglades’ historic flow south: a large reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee in the Everglades Agricultural Area. That reservoir is aimed at alleviating harmful discharges east and west from Lake Okeechobee to fragile coastal estuaries like the Indian River Lagoon, which in recent years triggered widespread blooms of toxic algae." According to Green, state leaders have expressed outrage at the omission, but "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the federal agency overseeing Everglades restoration, answered Mast’s criticism by saying that the corps remains committed to the reservoir, and construction is scheduled to begin this year."