Hollywood, Fla.-President Bush today vetoed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which would authorize more than $2 billion for Everglades restoration projects in Florida. The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), The Everglades Foundation, Audubon of Florida, Everglades Coalition, and The Everglades Trust now call on Congress to override the veto to move this critical legislation forward.
"We are disappointed with the President's decision not to authorize these restoration projects," said Dr. Mark Kraus, vice-president and Chief Operating Officer of the Everglades Foundation. "Now, more than ever, America's Everglades needs our federal government's support."
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, passed by the U.S. Congress in 2000, was a groundbreaking law that aimed to restore America's Everglades after decades of destruction. Last month, after seven years in the making, Congress authorized WRDA to help restore the natural sheetflow of America's Everglades.
"We owe our gratitude to Senators Nelson and Martinez and the great majority of our Florida delegation for getting us this far," said John Adornato, National Parks Conservation Association regional director. "We hope they, and the entire Congress, continue to show their commitment to Everglades restoration by passing this critical legislation into law."
Since WRDA should be passed every two years, the cost of restoration projects have been absorbed due to a significant increase in land and construction costs. Local conservation groups anticipate that a vote in both the House and Senate to override the veto will occur in upcoming weeks-the first veto override for President Bush.
"The price tag of this bill is reflective of seven years without any authorization for Everglades restoration, and will provide real benefits for this ecosystem," said Mark Perry, Co-chair of the Everglades Coalition.
The water resources bill contains funding for key restoration projects, including $1.36 billion for the cleanup of the Indian River Lagoon, $375 million for the restoration of Picayune Strand, and over $80 million for the Site I Impoundment that will protect water quality and improve water flows into the Everglades.
"The President's veto jeopardizes the reauthorization of key Everglades projects with the potential to restore more than 150,000 acres of wetlands and estuarine habitat," said David Anderson, executive director, Audubon of Florida. "Here's hoping Congress understands just how many birds, critters and people will suffer if the federal government doesn't make good on its promise to restore some measure of health to the Everglades."
Once WRDA becomes law, Congress will need to secure funding to construct and implement authorized water projects, as well as other important Everglades restoration projects.
"Everglades restoration is at a critical juncture," said Thom Rumberger, chairman, The Everglades Trust. "We can show the world how to achieve success during this new era of restoration, or we may face failure and the loss of one of this nation's natural wonders."
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