In response to growing skepticism and doubt about where allocated funds will come from on the federal level for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), the Army Corps of Engineers is changing their implementation strategy.  They will now focus on many smaller projects which contribute to the overall plan, which they state will show value and garner support for increased funding. 

Up to this point the state of Florida has been left to foot the bill for the project, which they have spent over $2 billion on.  CERP was initially slated to cost $10.9 billion, but while the federal government delays, the price tag is soaring.  Some now estimate that the cost of construction and land could raise the bill to $20 billion.

While Congress overrode the President's veto of the Water Resources Development Act last month, the funding was approved but not allocated.  The federal government must still determine where they will find the money in a cash strapped economy.

In response to these issues the Corps has decided to scale back its efforts to include a few small projects which it could then gauge the success of to determine where they should focus their effort in the future. 

Despite this decision many state, local, tribal, and business leaders are determined to continue with restoration efforts, understanding that the health of the Everglades is vital to the State of Florida.