In recognition of the efforts of the State of Florida in the preservation of the area, through the enactment of chapter 73–131 of the Florida statutes, “The Big Cypress Conservation Act of 1973”, the Secretary is directed to proceed as expeditiously as possible to acquire the lands and interests in lands necessary to achieve the purposes of sections 698f to 698m–4 of this title.

Within one year after October 11, 1974, the Secretary shall submit, in writing, to the Committee [1] on Interior and Insular Affairs and to the Committees on Appropriations of the United States Congress a detailed plan which shall indicate:

It is the express intent of the Congress that the Secretary should substantially complete the land acquisition program contemplated by sections 698f to 698m–4 of this title within six years after October 11, 1974.

(Pub. L. 93–440, § 2, Oct. 11, 1974, 88 Stat. 1259.)