The South Florida EcoSystem Restoration Task Force — the folks charged with recharging the Everglades — met in DC today — with special guest Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who wowed the crowd by promising full cooperation from the federal government.
"We're passionate about getting this thing done," Salazar said of the massive effort to bring the imperiled Everglades back to life again. The Obama administration has funneled some $360 million into Glades projects next year — the largest annual infusion since Congress approved the state-federal project in 2000.
Terrence "Rock" Salt, who was named to a key White House post directing civil works projects, said the project was "one of the highest priorities for the administration."
Shannon Estenoz, a special advisor to the task force, said she was "astounded" by the pace. "I'm hopeful and optimistic for the future," she said.
One discordant note was from Dexter Lehtinen, an attorney for the Miccosukee Tribe, which contends that one project — a bridge on the Tamiami Trail — hasn't been properly vetted. He said the proposal breaks promises made to the tribe.
"Which means screw the tribe," he said.
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