FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 23, 2015
FLORIDA FIRST BUDGET WILL MAKE FLORIDA FIRST FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BY INVESTING MORE THAN $1.5 BILLION
TALLAHASSEE,
Fla. – Governor Rick Scott’s Florida First budget recommends more than $1.5
billion to protect and enhance Florida’s natural resources. The Florida First
budget emphasizes projects that will improve water quality, enhance water
supplies and safeguard natural resources while directly benefiting communities
statewide. The budget includes a historic investment in Florida’s award-wining
state park system and springs restoration and protection projects, and also creates a
dedicated funding source that will ensure more than $5 billion is invested in
Everglades restoration over the next 20 years.
Governor
Scott said, “Florida is home to the nation’s most beautiful natural resources,
with hundreds of freshwater springs, miles of sandy white beaches, and the
one-and-only Everglades. These invaluable resources attract millions of
visitors each year, create jobs and help make our state the best place in the
nation to raise a family. I’m proud to continue to make historic investments to
protect and preserve these natural treasures as we make Florida first for
environmental protection.”
Governor
Scott’s proposed budget includes:
-
$188 million for Everglades and Lake
Okeechobee restoration – This includes a combined $116 million in construction for critical reservoir
projects, as well as $37 million in grants for water-quality improvement
projects. The Florida First budget also creates a dedicated source of revenue
for Everglades restoration that will ensure the state is able to fund its share
of restoration projects and the construction of the C-43 and C-44 reservoirs – projects
that will provide almost 100 billion gallons of water storage to protect our
estuaries.
-
$63
million for land acquisition –
This includes $25 million dedicated to the acquisition of key projects
identified as either part of the Florida Forever Priority List or the water
resource development work programs, an additional $27.7 million for land
acquisitions vital to restoration projects including Lake Hicpochee, Picayune
Strand and
the Biscayne Bay Coast Wetland project, and $10 million for the Florida
Communities Trust program.
-
$50 million for springs restoration
and protection projects – This record funding represents a $5 million increase over the current
year record springs funding championed by Governor Scott. It builds on the
historic funding championed by the Governor during the past three years, which,
through partnerships between DEP, the water management districts and local
communities, has leveraged $80 million in state funding into a $189 million
investment in 63 projects.
-
$50 million for water supply projects – This includes $20 million for
projects that will ensure a clean and reliable supply of water to small and
disadvantaged communities as well as $30 million to support the development
of alternative water-supply projects.
-
$45.5 million for Florida State Parks
– This represents a
historic investment in Florida’s award-wining state park system – the only park
system to win three National Gold Medals for Excellence – which welcomed a record 31.1 million visitors
during the 2014-2015 fiscal year. This
includes $19 million for repairs and renovations, including funding for Americans
with Disabilities Act access improvements. It also includes a $13.5 million
investment in the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, as well as $10 million
to enhance land management through long-term planning, restoration and
maintenance.
-
$25 million for beach restoration
funding – DEP
provides grants to local governments for beach renourishment, restoration and
inlet management projects to protect, preserve and restore Florida’s
world-renowned beaches and dune systems.
DEP
Secretary Jon Steverson said, “Governor Scott’s proposed budget reflects his
commitment to starting, and more importantly completing, projects that have
real, tangible benefits for our natural resources and communities.
DEP continues to focus on projects that make a difference in the lives of Florida
families, improve our economy and safeguard our environment.”
Florida Greenways and Trails
Foundation – “We
applaud the Governor’s commitment to supporting Florida’s iconic greenways and
trails system, including the Cross Florida Greenway and the Florida Overseas
Heritage Trail,” said Joe Beckham, president, Florida Greenways and Trails
Foundation.
Friends of Florida State Parks – “We appreciate the Governor’s commitment to Florida’s
award-winning state parks. This funding will help increase accessibility,
educational outreach as well as safeguard the natural and cultural resources of
our award-winning Florida State Parks,” said Don Philpott, president of Friends
of Florida State Parks.
Florida Disabled Outdoors Association – “We are pleased that this year’s budget will enable
significant improvements to the accessibility of our state parks so that more
individuals will be able to enjoy their beauty and recreational opportunities,”
said David C. Jones, president,
Florida Disabled Outdoors Association.
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