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Last Chance This Year to Pass Much-Needed WRDA Legislation for Everglades!
Versions of WRDA have passed the House and Senate.
Now, all that remains is for both houses to work out the
differences between the two versions in conference.
Help with the final push:
Call or write your Representative and Senators!
Background: Both houses of Congress have passed versions of important legislation that would authorize restoration of important ecosystems like the Everglades, and now are working out the differences between the two versions in committee. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) would authorize these ecosystem restoration projects, which in turn would mitigate harmful federal drainage projects, restore more than 300,000 acres of wetlands and significant estuarine habitat, and help secure America's outdoor recreation economy. WRDA 2006 should also include provisions to modernize the Army Corps of Engineers and direct limited resources toward projects that will enhance the natural system to the maximum extent, while accomplishing other Corps missions.
Specific Implications for Everglades Restoration: The Indian River Lagoon and Picayune Strand are two crucial restoration projects scheduled for authorization in the WRDA. Both projects mitigate harmful federal drainage projects and help the Everglades by restoring more than 160,000 acres of wetlands and significant estuarine habitat. The projects will also improve water quality for the Everglades, Florida Bay, Ten Thousand Islands, St. Lucie Estuary, and Lake Okeechobee.
Improvements Needed: WRDA 2006 should also include provisions to modernize the Army Corps of Engineers and direct limited resources toward projects that will enhance the natural system to the maximum extent, while accomplishing other Corps missions.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
Call or write your Representative and Senators, urging them to pass the Senate version of this important legislation!
(1) Look up their phone numbers here.
(2) Use our simple email function at right to write them! |
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Please ask Senate Majority Leader Frist to schedule WRDA immediately!
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing to ask that you please continue to work towards ultimate passage of the Senate version of the Water Resources Development Act. I understand that it is currently in committee, and little time remains for this important legislation to pass this session.
Please help make the legacy of the 109th Congress one of Everglades restoration. WRDA would enable the restoration of more than 160,000 acres of Everglades wetlands and significant estuarine habitat. It would also improve water quality for the Everglades, Florida Bay, 10,000 Islands, St. Lucie Estuary, and Lake Okeechobee.
Thank you for your continued advocacy on behalf of this national treasure.
Sincerely,
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Campaign Launched:
November 15, 2006
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