US Representative Scott Franklin (R-FL) passed an initiative to protect Everglades federal funding along with US Representative Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL).
The initiative would protect up to the 50 percent federal cost share for the Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP). WERP is part of the larger, ongoing Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a model restoration program designed to restore, protect and preserve the region’s water resources.
“The Everglades are essential to the health of Florida’s environment, economy and natural beauty,” Rep. Franklin said. “CERP has been successful largely because of our commitment to safeguard the federal and state partnership and cost share established at the start of the program. While there’s plenty of waste to be trimmed from our bloated budget, CERP is a government program that gets real results with our tax dollars. Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have made historic investments in Everglades restoration. I appreciate Chairwoman Granger, Chairman Fleischmann and the Committee for their support, so we can make sure to hold up our end of the deal.”
Previously, the US Congress green lit a 50/50 split cost share for CERP between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Florida for construction and operation of CERP water quality features deemed essential to Everglades restoration by the Assistant Secretary of the Army.
As of recently, Republicans have made protecting the Everglades a crucial part of their platform. Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has been branded Florida's "green governor," for his aggressive protections of the Everglades.
