OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 4, 2000

Stephanie Hanna (O) 202/501-4633

INTERIOR SECRETARY TO DELIVER KEYNOTE SPEECH ON THE
RESTORATION OF THE EVERGLADES
Secretary Babbitt to stress vital actions in 2000 in speech to Everglades Coalition

Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt will deliver a keynote speech on the restoration of the Everglades ecosystem in Naples, Florida, on the morning of Friday, January 7. His speech will be given at a meeting of the Everglades Coalition.

"This is the most important year for the success of Everglades restoration. We have embarked upon the most ambitious environmental restoration plan in the history of our planet," Secretary Babbitt said. "In order to succeed, it is essential that we have the will, the federal, state and local partnerships and the necessary funding to achieve our long-term restoration goals. This year all of these vital essentials will be put to the test, and this Administration stands firmly committed, as we have since 1993, to a successful outcome."

Secretary Babbitt will use this opportunity to announce the new chair for the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force.

The Secretary's remarks at the annual meeting of the Everglades Coalition will begin at 8:00 a.m. in the Promenade Room Ballroom of the Naples Beach and Golf Resort, 851 Gulf Shore Boulevard in Naples. Following his speech, which is open to the media, he will hold a separate media availability at the hotel.

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