OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2000

Stephanie Hanna (O) 202/501-4633

INTERIOR SECRETARY BABBITT PRAISES EVERGLADES RESTORATION ACT

Statement by Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt:

"The Everglades Protection and Restoration Act represents a great step forward for the future of South Florida. It is the product of months of hard work and negotiation between the Clinton-Gore Administration, the Congress and the State of Florida.

Eight years ago we began to plan the largest landscape restoration ever undertaken. This year, with the mark-up of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 in the Senate, we have the historic opportunity to fund this project in a way that provides ample clean water for the restoration of the natural system as well as offering South Florida communities new sources of fresh water for their future and buffers against catastrophic flooding.

The Everglades Protection and Restoration Act ensures that the overarching goal of restoration of what remains of the natural system remains a primary purpose of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan or Restudy.

I would particularly like to commend Senators Bob Smith, Bob Graham and Connie Mack, Governor Jeb Bush and the whole Florida Congressional Delegation for their support of these efforts."

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