Page "Everglades" Paragraph 5

Draining the Everglades was first suggested in 1848, but was not attempted until 1882.

Canals were constructed throughout the first half of the 20th century, and spurred the South Florida economy, prompting land development.

However, problems with canals and floods caused by hurricanes forced engineers to rethink their drainage plans.

In 1947, Congress formed the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project, which built of canals, levees, and water control devices.

The South Florida metropolitan area grew substantially at this time and Everglades water was diverted to cities.

Portions of the Everglades were transformed into farmland, where the primary crop was sugarcane.

Approximately 50 percent of the original Everglades has been turned into agricultural or urban areas.

When the construction of a large airport was proposed north of Everglades National Park, an environmental study predicted it would destroy the South Florida ecosystem.

Restoring the Everglades then became a priority.