Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: November 3, 2000

Contact: Peter Umhofer 202-812-7864
Joan Moody 202-208-6416

STATEMENT

INTERIOR SECRETARY BRUCE BABBITT APPLAUDS
PASSAGE OF EVERGLADES RESTORATION BILL

"I commend the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate for passing landmark and bipartisan legislation to restore America's Everglades. Today we can begin to repair and restore one of our Nation's most endangered ecosystems. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan represents the largest environmental restoration project ever attempted. I would like to commend the House and Senate leadership, Governor Jeb Bush and the entire Florida congressional delegation for their vital support. This bill is the product of months of hard work by the Clinton-Gore Administration, the Congress, the State of Florida and key stakeholders.

"This legislation will restore America's Everglades - - a national treasure -- over the next 30 years by capturing much of the fresh water that now flows unused to the ocean and delivering it where and when it is needed most. This project will restore critical water flows to the Everglades and ensure adequate water supplies for cities and farmers well into the future. The cost of the project will be shared equally between the Federal government and the State of Florida.

"Many years from now, the Administration, the State of Florida and the United States Congress will be remembered for answering the call and saving the Everglades while we still had a chance. The Everglades have suffered too long. It's time to restore the River of Grass."

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