Report to Congress on Everglades Restoration available

The Report to Congress on the progress of the restoration of America’s Everglades is now available to the public.

The United States is implementing the restoration of America’s Everglades in partnership with the State of Florida, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, local governments and a diverse set of stakeholders. 

The largest component of the restoration effort is the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), which Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to implement pursuant to the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. 

The Secretaries of the Army and the Interior jointly submitted the report in coordination with the Tribes, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Commerce, and the State of Florida. 

The 2020 report focuses on the momentum achieved since the last report by federal, state, local, and tribal governments that partnered to move key restoration programs and plans forward, including new construction starts, project completions, accelerated planning efforts, and record-breaking levels of federal and state funding.

The 144-page report provides updates on both CERP and non-CERP projects over the five-year reporting period from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2020, and the accomplishments expected over the next five years. 

According to USACE, this is the fourth in a series of periodic reports required under the Water Resources Development Act of 2000.