Activists Protest U.S. Army Corps for Everglades Delay
An unexpected move by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to delay a critical Everglades restoration project prompted a Sierra Club-organized protest Wednesday outside a Restoration Task Force meeting in Royal Palm Beach.
Sixteen activists protested with signs such as "CEPP IT UP" and chanted "No delay, Save our Glades,", as the highest ranking Corps official, Assistant Secretary for the Army (Civil Works) Jo-Ellen Darcy, presided over the meeting.
Two weeks ago, the Corps inexplicably delayed approving the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP), the plan designed to restore water flow through the heart of the Everglades. Amid widespread condemnation by environmental organizations, elected officials and newspaper columnists, the Corps has agreed to take up the plan again at a May 23 meeting.
The protest was covered by three television stations and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel:
Water protesters out in force for arrival of Army Corps of Engineers head - ABC 25
Army Corps Sets Date To Complete Everglades Plan Review - CBS 12
Residents protesting Army Corps after delayed action on Everglades plan - NBC 5
Delayed Central Everglades plan getting a second chance - South Florida Sun-Sentinel
—Jonathan Ullman, South Florida/Everglades Senior Organizer