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Summary:
The Everglades, a unique network of subtropical wetlands, is now half its original size. Many factors have contributed to its decline, including flood control projects and agricultural and urban development. As part of a larger restoration program for South Florida, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and other federal, state, tribal, and local agencies collaborated to develop a Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP or the plan). CERP focuses on increasing storage of wet season waters to provide more water during the dry season for the natural system and urban and agricultural users. The plan consists of 68 projects estimated to take 36 years and $7.8 billion to complete. The Water Resources Development Act of 2000 (P.L.106-541) authorizes appropriations for initial construction projects and their operation and maintenance. The federal government will pay half the plan's costs and an array of state, tribal, and local agencies the other half. Major issues associated with the plan include: development of programmatic regulations, timely completion, coordination of restoration efforts, effectiveness of restoration efforts, uncertainties in technologies and costs, specifics of water allocation, and effect on the Corps budget. Final programmatic regulations are expected early in 2003. This report outlines the history and current conditions of the Everglades, CERP legislation and funding, and associated issues. It will be updated as events warrant.
