An Unprecedented Investment in Everglades Restoration

The White House announced the largest ever investment of federal funds for Everglades restoration on January 19, 2022. Nearly $1.1 billion will be provided to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ South Florida Ecosystem Restoration program to support projects this year. This funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill that was signed into law in November 2021 and represents a sweeping investment in the world’s largest ecosystem restoration project – America’s Everglades. Eleven million Floridians to benefit through the Biden administration’s Infrastructure bill.

“We are elated to see this level of investment in Everglades restoration,” says Audubon Florida’s Director of Everglades Funding, Kelly Cox, “it is clear that restoring this ecosystem remains a bipartisan priority and this funding will expedite many impactful projects this year.”

Audubon Florida, their partners, and Florida’s Congressional delegation have been advocating for increased funding for Everglades restoration to support ongoing projects throughout the Greater Everglades ecosystem. The funding allocated to the U.S. Army Corps will allow already planned projects under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan to be expedited, hastening completion of Everglades Restoration. These projects, like the Indian River Lagoon C23/24 Reservoir, the Biscayne Bay and Southern Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Project, and the Western Everglades Restoration Project, will improve the hydrology of the region, safeguard drinking water supplies for South Florida, improve water quality, and increase the region’s resilience.

“This investment in Everglades restoration is unparalleled,” says Cox “we are thrilled to see this funding coming through and look forward to the many ecological returns it will provide for the Everglades ecosystem.”

Since stopping the plume trade, Audubon has defended America’s Everglades against many human threats. Audubon continues to provide critical science and leads state and national advocacy to restore balanced water and wildlife to the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Audubon Florida protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Learn more at Fl.Audubon.org.