FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 11, 2013
DEP SECRETARY CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF PROJECT TO HELP RESTORE AMERICA'S EVERGLADES
~More water will be retained in Everglades National Park~
FLORIDA CITY– Today, DEP Secretary
Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. joined leaders from the South Florida Water Management
District, US Army Corps of Engineers and Everglades National Park as well as state
and local partners to celebrate the completion of the C-111 Spreader Canal
Western Project in south Miami-Dade County. Vinyard participated in the
dedication of this project, which will restore freshwater flows to Florida Bay
and restore upstream water levels in Eastern Everglades National Park.
“This
project will jump start the recovery of these vital ecosystems, and is a great
example of direct action put forth towards Everglades restoration,” said
Vinyard. “The South Florida Water Management District and its federal and state
partners have provided the solution to a major problem in the Everglades and
Florida Bay.”
This
project illustrates the Department’s critical investment to solve water quality
and distribution issues in the Everglades. The state has invested more than $51
million in this expedited project. The C-111 Spreader Canal Western Project
will aid restoration of freshwater wetlands, tidal wetlands and near-shore
habitat as well as flood protection maintenance and recreation opportunities.
“Witnessing
the completion and operation of a project to help restore America’s Everglades
provides a sense of accomplishment and optimism for the future,” said SFWMD
Governing Board Chairman Joe Collins. “Today we have taken another step toward
our shared restoration goals.”
The
C-111 Spreader Canal Western Project includes an above-ground detention area
and pump stations to better manage groundwater and surface water flows in
Everglades National Park, help achieve healthy salinity levels in Florida Bay
and further advance the state’s efforts in getting the water right.
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