DEP Secretary Addresses Annual Everglades Conference

CAPTIVA ISLAND – Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole spoke today at the largest annual forum for Everglades restoration and conservation, the Everglades Coalition Conference. As a participant in the state policy panel discussion, DEP Secretary Sole spoke about the State’s important role in the restoration and emphasized the need for continued partnership and cooperation as restoration efforts continue.

“Florida has taken creative and innovative approaches to expedite our restoration efforts,” said DEP Secretary Sole. “Just this year, the State expanded its restoration efforts to the northern extent of the ecosystem and extended a dedicated trust fund through 2020 to set aside another $2.3 billion for restoration. Continuing forward on this massive restoration project will take cooperation, partnership and a united message from all of our partners.”

Last night, Governor Charlie Crist spoke at the annual conference that brings together local, state and federal government officials as well as community and environmental leaders to discuss Everglades restoration progress. This afternoon, DEP Secretary Sole participated in a moderated discussion on specific state policies and actions that impact the greater Everglades. Joining the Secretary on the panel was Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Stephanie Kopelouses and Florida Department of Community Affairs Secretary Thomas Pelham.

DEP Secretary Sole discussed the state’s progress during the first eight years of the 30-year, $10.9 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), including Florida’s commitment of $2.4 billion toward the 50-50 state/federal cost-share. He also emphasized the crucial need for federal support for foundation projects, such as the Modified Water Deliveries, to make restoration successful.

Demonstrating its continued commitment to restoring America’s Everglades, Florida’s 2007-08 budget signed by Governor Crist includes $200 million for the restoration and protection of the South Florida ecosystem, allocating $100 million for Everglades restoration and $54 million for the restoration of Lake Okeechobee as well as $40 million to protect the health of the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries.

Restoring America’s Everglades is reviving habitat for more than 60 threatened and endangered species, establishing a reliable supply of water for millions of Floridians and providing flood control consistent with the restoration. The state-federal partnership effort is returning the natural flow of water across the 2.4 million-acre marsh and is the nation’s largest environmental restoration project.

This year’s conference marks the 23rd annual Everglades Coalition Conference, an annual event that raises critical, timely issues to the surface for in-depth debates in an open, accessible forum. The Coalition’s annual conference brings together non-profit, government and private interests in the largest annual forum for Everglades conservation and restoration.

For more information on the Everglades Coalition Conference, visit www.evergladescoalition.org. For more information on Florida’s Everglades restoration efforts, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/everglades/default.htm.