Bill Nelson: “Nat recommended focusing on projects like bridging the Tamiami Trail, which is U.S. 41--virtually a dike across the…”

“Nat recommended focusing on projects like bridging the Tamiami Trail, which is U.S. 41--virtually a dike across the southern peninsula of Florida. It is now being bridged, first with a mile-long bridge, and now--under construction--with a 2\1/2\-mile bridge so the water can flow under the road into the water-starved Everglades National Park. He recommended focusing on projects like restoring the Kissimmee River to its natural meandering state. Half a century ago, when all the emphasis was on flood control, getting the water off the land, they took this meandering stream called the Kissimmee River that cleansed the water as it oozed south in all of the marsh grasses, and what did they do? They dug a straight ditch. Nat was one of the leaders in advocating restoring the river to its natural meandering state so that by the time the water gets to Lake Okeechobee, it will have been cleaned up by natural processes. Both of those projects--Tamiami Trail and the Kissimmee River--are now well underway, and we are already seeing the benefits to the environment and to the wildlife. Nat also wrote about the importance of water storage and treatment projects both north and south of the lake--a refrain this Senator often repeats as well. That is why I not only respect and appreciate so much what Nat contributed to our country and to our State but also loved him as a friend. His untimely death today in an accident in Canada is a huge loss.…”