“President Obama’s overall budget request for $192.55 million for the Everglades is a wake-up call for our River of Grass. This is significantly lower than levels requested in recent years. On the heels of the completion of two APP priorities, the C-111 spreader canal and the first Tamiami Trail bridge, Everglades restoration funding has never been more effective and tangible. The on-the-ground benefits from investing in the Everglades are showing. APP urges Congress to increase funding and pass a Water Resources Development Act, which is the key to starting new projects as ongoing projects are completed. While the President’s budget includes funding for the much-needed second phase of bridging for the Tamiami Trail, Florida’s remarkable birds and wildlife are depending on additional resources to ensure restoration success for the Everglades.”