Connie Mack: “a key part of this partnership has been the commitment by the State of Florida--already enshrined in a bill approved by…”

“a key part of this partnership has been the commitment by the State of Florida--already enshrined in a bill approved by Governor Bush earlier this year--to pay fully half the $7.8 billion cost of implementing the Everglades restoration plan. This is a significantly greater cost share than the local sponsor typically pays to construct a Corps project. Many Corps projects have a local cost share of as little as 20 percent of the total project and few pay more than 35 percent. In fact, if the State were paying 35 percent, rather than the 50 percent it has committed to, it would increase the burden of the Federal taxpayer by almost $1.2 billion. Let me repeat that. The State has committed to a greater-than-average cost share for constructing the restoration project and will save the Federal taxpayers almost $1.2 billion. I believe the good faith demonstrated by the State's offer--not to mention the resulting savings of the Federal Government--clearly refutes any argument that the State is somehow unduly benefiting from the operation and maintenance cost share proposed in the bill before us today. While I cannot stress enough the damage this amendment will do to our relationship with the State of Florida, I remind my colleagues about the significant Federal investment we are making in the Everglades and the important Federal interest in ensuring this project is operated and maintained properly.”