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Diaz-Balart Ensures Everglades Funding in FY16 Interior Appropriations Bill

June 16, 2015

WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Founder and Co-Chairman of the Everglades Caucus, released the following statement after the House Committee on Appropriations passed the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY16.

"As Founder and Co-Chairman of the Everglades Caucus, I am very pleased with the Everglades funding levels in the Interior Appropriations bill for FY16. Everglades National Park is a natural treasure that we must preserve and protect for future generations. I have worked diligently with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure that the Everglades restoration and operations programs were adequately funded. Restoration is crucial to protect our state's ecosystem and provides for our drinking water supply. Furthermore, restoration and operations funds can result in a boost to our state's economy. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to ensure that the Everglades may flourish for many years to come."

National Park Service funds in the bill include $139 million for Everglades restoration within Big Cypress National Park, Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park, and $10 million for interagency coordination to support restoration efforts and ensure the following:

  • $4.8 million to keep the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) on schedule and without further delay
  • $3.9 million for Critical Ecosystems Studies Initiative (CESI) to allow ecologists to better understand the park's ecosystem and wildlife species
  • $1.9 million for the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force

Diaz-Balart was also successful in including funding for Everglades restoration projects in the FY16 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which passed the House last month, and included the following items that are specific to South Florida:

  • $64 million for the Herbert Hoover Dike repair and restoration
  • $123 million for Everglades restoration and construction projects for the Army Corps of Engineers
  • $7 million for operation and maintenance of Army Corps of Engineers projects