Chairmain Buermann: The written summary submitted for the record is the work of our Arthur R. Marshall Foundation Summer Interns, same that briefed you at the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration (GEER) Conference in July.
Economic conclusions remain: In the long run, whatever River of Grass configuration is chosen, the economic benefits approach 90 billion dollars over the 40 year life cycle of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). This results in a calculated benefit to cost ration of 6 to 1, maybe more, with an optimal approach.
What were the benefits as Art Marshall saw them, reading from the 1981 Marshall Plan:
There will be benefits to fresh and saltwater fisheries, to wildlife, and to water quality. These translate into increased public health and improved recreational experience, protein foods for Floridians and their visitors, and profit for the tourist industry and fisheries, both recreational and commercial. There will also be benefits - little recognized - arising from increased energy efficiency.On the same page of the Marshall Plan, Marjory Stoneman Douglas addresses the cost question:
What about the costs? The cost of doing nothing in monumental.As Art Marshall advocated, the only way to get this done is to buy some land...and increase the total spatial extent of natural area...the first stated goal of CERP!
Stupidity is forgivable, but ignorance is no excuse.
Buy the land, whatever's affordable. Then buy more land when it becomes affordable.
The cost of not doing it is monumental
(Following this public comment, Chairman Beurmann acknowledged the work of the 2010 Arthur R. Marshall Foundation Summer Interns with a thank you.)
Post Script: (1) All the nay-sayers and anit-establishmentarians are putting up roadblocks, so who is going to exercise leadership and tell us how it--CERP+, is going to be done?
(2) Art Marshall, Marjory Stoneman Douglas and Johnny Jones, had it right all along.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Arthur Marshall
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