"Florida Wetlands" via Seth in Google Reader

Monday, November 12, 2007

Senate and House Override Bush's Veto of WRDA

The US Senate and the House have overriden President Bush's veto of the Water Resources Development Act. The bill which is ordinarilly voted on every two years hasn't passed since 2000. The WRDA provides over $23 billion in funding for almost 900 projects and studies across the United States, including flood control, improving navigation on waterways and restoring the environment.

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP) will receive much needed funding from its passage. In all Florida projects will receive approximately $2 billion from the passage of the WRDA including funding for the Indian River Lagoon Project, the Picayune Strand restoration and improvements in water quality in Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries and Florida Bay.

This is the biggest and most important event in Everglades restoration history. It is clear to everyone but the President that environmental concerns are not just passing interest to the public. These restoration efforts in many areas are vital to the health and well being of not only the environment but to surrounding communities as well. Water resources are vital to life on this planet must be protected!

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