Everglades Restoration: The Federal Role inFunding

Charles V. Stern, Coordinator
Analyst in Natural Resources Policy

Pervaze A. Sheikh
Specialist in Natural Resources Policy

Nicole T. Carter
Specialist in Natural Resources Policy

In 2000, Congress approved a 30-year restoration plan, termed the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), for the Everglades ecosystem in southern Florida, and authorized an initial set of projects at a cost of $1.4 billion. Implementing the plan is estimated to cost $10.9 billion; the federal government is expected to pay half that, with an array of state, tribal, and local agencies paying the other half. In addition to the activities under CERP, other federal and state efforts also are contributing to Everglades restoration. 

As of FY2010, all of these efforts combined (CERP and non-CERP activities) represent an investment of more than $12.2 billion in state funds and $3.6 billion in federal funds since FY1993. The debate and resolution of issues surrounding the authorization and appropriations for Everglades restoration projects could have implications for large-scale restoration initiatives elsewhere. Consequently, Everglades funding receives attention not only from those interested in Everglades restoration, but also from stakeholders of other restoration initiatives such as those in coastal Louisiana, the Great Lakes, and Chesapeake Bay. This report provides information on federal appropriations for Everglades restoration, and discusses some issues related to the authorization and appropriations for restoration projects.


Date of Report: March 11, 2010
Number of Pages: 10
Order Number: RS22048
Price: $29.95

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