Peter Deutsch: “I rise to support S. 640 to emphasize a provision that strengthens our commitment to one of America's greatest natural…”

“I rise to support S. 640 to emphasize a provision that strengthens our commitment to one of America's greatest natural treasures--the Florida Everglades. This legislation contains measures that will expedite restoration of this endangered ecosystem, authorize critical new resources, and cut through bureaucratic redtape. This bill directs the Army Corps of Engineers to complete its comprehensive Everglades restoration plan and report this plan to Congress by July 1, 1999. The bill also codifies the partnership between the Federal, State, and local agencies which are involved with this effort. This will facilitate better cooperation and information sharing so we can finish the job as soon as possible. Finally, there are many critical projects which must be completed now. Accordingly, this bill authorizes $75 million in new resources to construct projects which are critical to restoration. I thank my colleagues for supporting this bipartisan accomplishment, and I urge passage of the bill.”