Miami-Dade County, Fla. -- Governor Charlie Crist wants more federal help to protect the Everglades.

The governor and other Florida politicians took an airboat ride Thursday on the River of Grass, with the Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar.

President Barack Obama has pledged more than $200 million to help clean up the Everglades. Governor Crist said that was an important first step.

"Doing the right thing means taking care of the Everglades and working on preservation," said Crist.

The Secretary of the Interior said the federal government has to do a better job of protecting the Everglades. Salazar said the huge swamp is critical to Florida's drinking water supply and also helps control flooding in the state.