Excess freshwater during the wet season and inadequate freshwater during the dry season along with excess nutrients in surface water bodies is a widespread, complex, multidimensional problem that requires focused investment and regional-scale and local-scale water storage infrastructure and water quality treatment strategies.

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is the framework for restoring, protecting and preserving the greater Everglades ecosystem. The plan is a 50-50 partnership between the State of Florida and the federal government and is being implemented by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). While there has been some significant progress, the pace of CERP implementation has been disappointingly slow, with many projects delayed indefinitely or re-formulated with reduced scopes.

Consistent future federal funding is critical to the full implementation of CERP. Anything less jeopardizes anticipated benefits to the environmental and water resources of South Florida which ultimately impacts County residents, visitors and taxpayers. The County SUPPORTS appropriating consistent federal funding and other resources to plan, design, construct, operate and maintain CERP projects.

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