Diaz-Balart: Completion of Merritt Pump Station Marks Major Milestone for Everglades Restoration

MIAMI — Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement in celebration of the completion of the Merritt Pump Station, a critical part of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project. This project is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), and the Merritt Pump Station is the first major construction contract to be completed from CERP.

"Today's event marks a major milestone in the restoration of the Everglades. The completion of the Merritt Pump Station is the first major piece of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, which will not only benefit Southwest Florida, but will also show the nation that ecosystem restoration is possible. When the Picayune Strand Project is completed, it will fill in canals, remove roads, and return 55,000 acres of land to its natural splendor. But the impact this will have is even greater – over 70,000 acres of uplands and wetlands will be improved as habitat for Florida's native wildlife.

"I would like to thank Colonel Alan Dodd, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, Blake Guillory, Executive Director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and Eric Draper, Executive Director of the Audubon Florida for their continued leadership in seeing through CERP's completion. As founder and co-chair of the Everglades Caucus and a member of the Appropriations committee, I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to make sure these restoration projects are a top priority and receive the critical funding they need."