FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 17, 2004
CONTACT: Alia Faraj, (850) 488-5394

Statement By:
GOVERNOR JEB BUSH
Regarding Today's Everglades Ruling

TALLAHASSEE - "Today's ruling by the administrative law judge upholds the first numeric phosphorus water quality standard for the Everglades that my administration proposed more than three years ago. The stringent, science-based standard combined with the comprehensive cleanup plan already underway will restore water quality throughout the famed River of Grass.

Unprecedented progress to restore the famed River of Grass underscores Florida's commitment to the 30-year, $8 billion environmental restoration, which saves the habitat for more than 60 endangered species and provides a sustainable supply of water for millions of people in South Florida.

Florida has completed construction of more than 40,000 acres of man-made wetlands to naturally cleanse water entering the marsh. More than 80 percent of the land needed for initial restoration projects has been acquired. The State has committed more than $2.5 billion through the end of the decade to fund its share of restoration."

-30-

04-155