KISSIMMEE (CBSMiami/AP) — Good news for the Florida Everglades. The Obama administration is announcing $80 million in additional funding to help in Everglades restoration.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack publicized the funding Friday in Kissimmee.

It will be used for land easement programs on farms and ranches in the Northern Everglades Watershed.

Officials say it will help restore another 23,000 acres of wetlands that are part of the vast Everglades system.

State officials have also increasingly turned to land easement deals for Everglades projects. Proponents say it’s far cheaper than buying up huge swaths of land. Plus, by keeping the property in private hands, they remain on the tax rolls.

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