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[ Home > Page 8: Restoring the Fountain of Youth, Part 3 ]
Page 8: Restoring the Fountain of Youth, Part 3![Page 8: Restoring the Fountain of Youth, Part 3]()
Then we extended this principle further: beyond mere land to the slow moving water which infuses it. In 1994 the Corps of Engineers was authorized and funded to embark on a Restudy of how best to reconnect the severed hydraulic arteries of the whole system and to provide additional water both for the Everglades itself and for the increasing demands of the growing South Florida cities. Last July the Corps met its own very ambitious work schedule by presenting the Comprehensive Plan to the U.S. Congress. We were extremely pleased that this plan includes assurances to secure the necessary water for Everglades National Park and Biscayne Bay. We have also completed one of the nation's largest Multi-Species Recovery Plans, addressing recovery for the 68 federally listed threatened and endangered species in the entire South Florida ecosystem. Our efforts are grounded in innovative use of the best science, and I am pleased that Congress has provided funds to establish a science review panel under the National Research Council to oversee our multiagency efforts. Most important for the work still ahead, we have, over seven years, established an effective partnership between State and Federal agencies now recognized by statute as the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. That partnership rests on equal footing, with each side splitting the costs 50-50. At the State level, the Governor's Commission has provided a parallel process for stakeholders to work on a comprehensive approach to growth issues in South Florida, and we look forward to working with the newly appointed members. We should all take pride and confidence from the view behind us; let us now turn to the rugged terrain ahead. We must continue to work on necessary land acquisition, and we must make the case to both Congress and the Florida Legislature to continue their support for these programs. Land use decisions will have a profound effect on our ability to carry out our long term restoration goals. I would like to call attention to two specific issues of great importance to our future. Last week the Air Force released a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for public comment as part of its process to dispose of Homestead Air Force Base. As you all know, the Base lies squarely between Biscayne National Park and the Everglades. The Interior Department feels development of a commercial airport could seriously degrade both of these national parks, and remains deeply concerned over its potential adverse impacts to the surrounding pristine landscape. And we urge the parties to give careful consideration to other alternatives that lead to better development and more jobs at less environmental cost.
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