AP NewsWatch

I'm Ben Thomas with an AP News Minute.

In Florida, environmentalists are looking to open a dam built for a canal that was supposed

to cut through the middle of the state.

Julie Walker explains.

The canal project was dropped more than a century ago, but the dam was built and now some people

want it removed or opened. Nina Bada-Theria is executive director of Florida defenders of the

environment. By removing the dam, we would reunite the rivers. We would reconnect Silver Springs,

the Okla-Wahan St. John's and see natural flow of water. We would see the restoration of over

7,500 acres of forested floodplain. We would have springs re-emerge. Wildlife would be able to move

back and forth. Supporters also warn the dam is aging and threatens nearby homes.

Some anglers and local leaders oppose removal. They say the reservoir supports a strong bath

spissory and a fragile rural economy. I'm Julie Walker.

I'm Ben Thomas.