DEP STATEMENT REGARDING INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF EVERGLADES RESTORATION EFFORTS

Florida DEP Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP STATEMENT REGARDING INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF EVERGLADES RESTORATION EFFORTS

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) appreciate the efforts of the National Research Council’s Committee on Independent Scientific Review of Everglades Restoration Progress in producing the fifth biennial review of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The report underscores the state’s commitment to science-based research and monitoring and its importance in decision making. It also recognizes expanded actions by the state to improve Everglades water quality through the Restoration Strategies plan championed by Governor Rick Scott. Thanks to the efforts of DEP and SFWMD staff, construction is now underway on additional storage and treatment projects, and science plan studies are moving forward. With a strong financial commitment from the state and the recent passage of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, we look forward to working with our federal partners on initiating – and completing – more restoration projects that will benefit Florida’s Everglades.