Salazar Promises To Revitalize Everglades

"Saying the federal government had 'not kept its end of the bargain,' the Obama administration on Thursday promised to pay its fair share of an Everglades restoration effort now estimated to reach $22.5 billion and to make long-stalled projects a top priority.

'We are committed to it. We will get it done,' said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, the highest ranking White House executive to visit the Everglades since President Barack Obama took office four months ago....

Through budgets and stimulus funding, 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. Obama also has requested $278 million for 2010."

Curtis Morgan reports for the Miami Herald May 28, 2009.