Congressman Rivera Affirms Commitment to S. Fla. Wetlands Following Tour of Everglades & Big Cypress

Miami, Fla.-Congressman David Rivera (FL-25) toured the Everglades National Park and the Big Cypress National Preserve on Friday.  

Rivera met with Everglades National Park Director Dan Kimball and Big Cypress National Preserve Director Pedro Ramos during the tour.

Rivera, whose district includes the majority of the national park and the entire national preserve, understands the budgetary challenges facing these natural areas in today’s economic climate. 

“Our nation has a $14 trillion national debt, as well as record deficits. There is no question we are facing a difficult budget year. However, we're going to fight for our priorities within those constraints,” Rivera said. 

He expressed a firm commitment to protecting South Florida’s environmentally sensitive wetlands as a vitally important part of the region’s economy and ecology.

“The Everglades and Big Cypress are national treasures and important economic resources for the State of Florida,” Rivera said.  “Everglades restoration is a huge priority for the Florida delegation. I feel a special responsibility to this issue because so much of the national park and the national preserve fall within my Congressional district. One of the reasons that I requested to be a part of the House Committee on Natural Resources was precisely to ensure that we are protecting our environmental interests.”

With Friday’s meetings with the Everglades and Big Cypress Directors, Rivera began a process of meeting with those who have a vested interest in the restoration of these critical wetlands.

“As we go forward, we must hear from all the stakeholders to determine what prudent steps can be taken now, in the current economic climate, and in the future, to achieve the goal of restoring water flow in these areas,” he said.