The Post's editorial "Short Everglades leash" (July 26) is based on a false premise. Despite The Post's reports, Congress is not withholding money from Florida for restoration of the Everglades. Florida never was going to receive a check from the federal government for the project. If Florida's senators attach strings to federal financing, it only will further restrict the participation of the federal government in the historic effort to return a more natural flow of water to the famed "river of grass."

Since 2000, Florida has committed more than $2 billion, including $791 million invested and $1.6 billion in bonds and cash, through the end of the decade. The federal government has contributed 14 percent of that amount, specifically to finance the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

When it comes to cleaning up the water entering the Everglades, the story is similar. Florida has invested more than $600 million to clean up the water. With 90 percent of the Everglades clean, Florida is providing an additional $650 million over the next decade to finish the job. Florida will meet or beat the requirements of the federal court schedule that governs this progress. The federal government cannot make the same claim.

Florida is keeping its commitment, no strings attached. We hope Florida's senators, who have been strong Everglades advocates in the past, would not now tie our federal partner agencies up in knots.