Hastings, Wasserman Schultz Applaud $29M Increase in Everglades Restoration

(Washington D.C.) – The. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will boost funding for Florida Everglades’ restoration efforts this fiscal year by an extra $29 million, a funding commitment that was sought by Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20).

The Army Corps’ funding increase was included in its recently-released 2018 fiscal year Work Plan. The added backing amounts to a 38 percent increase over the initial $76.5 million funding amount sought in the President’s fiscal year 2018 budget request, bringing the overall Everglades restoration funding for this fiscal year to $105.4 million.

Reps. Hastings and Wasserman Schultz have fought aggressively for additional funding, and applauded the Army Corps’ prioritization of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration projects.

“Committing these extra resources underscores the Army Corps’ commitment to Everglades restoration,” said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, Co-Chairman of the Everglades Caucus. “South Florida depends on this ecosystem for so much, including drinking water and flood protection, so it’s good to see a larger investment being made to protect the well-being of our state. We need to continue prioritizing Everglades restoration efforts.”

“Our federal-state partnership to restore the Florida Everglades can only be maintained with strong federal funding. Restoring this vital and sensitive ecosystem is bolstered with the Army Corps’ latest increase in funding – one which must continue,” said Wasserman Schultz. “So much of South Florida’s quality of life depends on the Everglades, and we owe it to all Americans and future generations to make these restoration efforts a priority. I will continue to work closely with the Army Corps and Florida’s Congressional delegation to do just that.”