EVERGLADES (CBS Miami) — More work is still needed to repair damage done by Hurricane Irma to the Florida Everglades and on Saturday, Senator Marco Rubio and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke got a first-hand look.
The Flamingo Marina and Visitor Center at Everglades National Park is operating with limited facilities following the storm. It’s an area Sen. Rubio said he’s been to dozens of times with his family.
“This is an enormous part of our identity as a state, and an incredible part of our economy,” he said along the tour. “This is a key part of what we wanted to see here today and to be able to go back and work with our colleagues, both in the administration and in Congress, to make sure we rebuild and bring back facilities like this in the Everglades stronger than ever.”
Everglades officials estimate the park brings in about $250 million to the local economy each year, which could take a hit as the facilities face a collapsed ceiling, water damage and debris scattered about.
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