Salazar expected at Florida Everglades conference

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is expected to join Everglades activists, elected officials and business leaders to discuss state and federal restoration projects.

The three-day Everglades Coalition Conference opens Thursday in Coral Gables. Organizers say this year's conference will focus on advancing existing efforts that protect wildlife, preserve clean water and promote the economic benefits of Everglades restoration.

On Friday, the South Florida Water Management District will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a Miami-Dade County canal project that is the first to be completed under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. The canal project helps restore freshwater flows to Florida Bay, keeps clean water in Everglades National Park and maintains flood control for communities east of the Everglades.

Congress approved the sweeping, multibillion-dollar plan in 2000, but little progress has been made.

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