Interior Secretary Ken Salazar tours Everglades

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar toured the northern most point of the Everglades Wednesday morning.
 
From an airboat, Secretary Salazar looked at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.

"From day one President Obama asked me to be Secretary of the Interior he asked that I work on the Everglades as one of the crown jewels of conservation of America," Secretary Salazar said.

Salazar's visit comes on the heels of an announcement that $880,000,000 is now available for Everglades restoration.
 
Containing the levels of phosphorus is a big concern for the Everglades, especially in the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Suburban Boynton Beach.
 
Overgrown vegetation and non-native plants growing on the outskirts of the refuge are a sign of too much phosphorus, according to park coordinators.
 
Still, Salazar holds the Everglades in high regards when comparing it to other areas of the country.

"None of those areas, frankly, compare to the greatness of the Everglades. And the historic effort that we put into this restoration project will last several years is one that I am very proud of," said Salazar.

 The Secretary also mentioned Governor Rick Scott and hopes the state of Florida will continue Everglades restoration.

"I still have that question mark. I don't know whether or not he is committed to this for the long term, but I do know this, Floridians are going to hold people accountable and make sure the progress made is progress that continues."

Stormwater treatment areas and water storage areas will be built within the restoration plan.