Senator Rubio is doubling down on the need for the Everglades to be protected by having opposed the proposed Kendall Parkway expressway until there’s a guarantee the Everglades will be protected.
In a statement, the Florida Senator had explained that “One of the reasons why I decided to run for re-election in 2016 was to continue the momentum of recent years on Everglades Restoration.”
He added that “As a lifelong resident of Miami-Dade County, I know the residents of West Kendall need a solution to their traffic woes. But a solution to this problem cannot come at the expense of Everglades restoration. Therefore, I intend to ask all relevant federal agencies to oppose the proposed roadway project until it is aligned as far east as feasible and includes provisions that will guarantee an effective and enduring ‘West Kendall Everglades Buffer’ that prevents rather than encourages additional development in the project area.”
In response to the opposition, Celeste de Palma, the Policy Director of the Audobon Florida Everglades, praised the Senator, explaining that “The Senator is right. At the same time that we’re seeing algae blooms affect the east and west coast and the South Florida Water Management District is coming up with ways to redirect Lake Okeechobee flow south, Miami-Dade is proposing a highway that threatens restoration progress? Seems a bit tone-deaf. It shows a clear lack of collaboration with the state agencies in charge of advancing restoration projects that would benefit all of South Florida. Transportation issues are huge in South Florida; I live in Miami-Dade and that’s just a fact. But solutions must be in line with greater plans for the entire region. Transportation solutions in Miami-Dade must remain within the Urban Development Boundary and stay out of Everglades restoration footprint projects.”
