FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 29, 2014
GOVERNOR SCOTT'S BUDGET RECOMMENDS $1.4 BILLION TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE FLORIDA'S ENVIRONMENT
~Funding for Everglades, spring and land conservation~
TALLAHASSEE – Today,
Governor Rick Scott highlighted his commitment to protect, preserve and improve
Florida’s environment. The Governor's “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget” will
include support for restoration projects in the Everglades, springs protection
improvements, and the purchase of conservation lands. The FY2014/2015 budget
places a priority on protecting the health of Florida’s natural resources.
“By proposing more than a billion
dollars, Governor Scott recognizes the Department’s commitment to preserving
the environment through sound science,” said Florida Department of
Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “This significant funding
will ensure the Department’s ability to continue to safeguard and protect the state’s
natural resources.”
Proposed budget
items include:
$180 million investment to restore the Everglades and
Florida Keys. Governor
Scott has been laser-focused on Everglades restoration. This continues funding
for the Governor’s landmark $880 million Everglades water quality plan. The
$180 million also includes $40 million to speed up completion of the C-44
Stormwater Treatment Area for Martin and St. Lucie counties, and provide the
first $30 million - in a three year installment - for the Tamiami Trail project,
providing needed water to Everglades National Park. In addition, the investment
of these funds will allow for the completion of the Kissimmee River restoration
project, which will improve the environmental health of the area north and
south of Lake Okeechobee, the Lake itself, and Lee, Charlotte, Martin and St.
Lucie counties. Lastly, $50 million will support improvements to the Florida
Keys wastewater system, helping to protect the coral reefs and water quality of
the Keys.
$286 million for restoring waterways and water supply. This funding represents a continued
commitment to assisting Florida's communities with "getting the water
right." More than $276 million is provided for wastewater/stormwater
facility construction, drinking water facility construction and water quality
planning. Additionally $9.4 million is provided to continue setting nutrient
limits and developing restoration plans for Florida's waters at a record pace. Under
Governor Scott's leadership, the Department has implemented the most
comprehensive numeric nutrient criteria in the nation.
$55 million for springs restoration. The “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget”
commits $55 million for springs restoration, protection and preservation, with $50
million invested in springs protection projects and to address significant
groundwater issues in and around springs. Since 2011, Governor Scott has
specifically directed more funding to springs protection than any Administration
in Florida’s history to protect and restore these natural treasures.
$70 million for Florida Forever. The Governor's budget recommends $30
million in cash and an additional $40 million in budget authority from the
proceeds of the sale of surplus non-conservation lands owned by the state. This
investment to purchase conservation lands needed for springs protection,
military buffering or water resource protection will allow Floridians to enjoy our
natural treasures.
$125 million for Petroleum Tank Cleanup. This funding will support a more
efficient and effective petroleum tanks restoration program. DEP will
competitively procure contracts providing a better value for the Florida
taxpayer.
$25 million for beach erosion control. The Governor's budget will manage and nourish
Florida’s beautiful beaches. The local government partners responsible for the state’s
most valuable and recognizable natural resource will benefit from state
assistance for beach and dune restoration, beach nourishment, inlet sand bypassing
and regional sediment management.
$19 million for state park improvements. The funding for state park repairs,
renovations and development will keep Florida State Parks on the map. This
includes $4 million in ADA access improvements. Florida is the only state to be
awarded three National Gold Medals for Excellence by the National Recreation
and Parks Association.
In
addition, Governor Scott’s “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget” provides $1 million
to protect Florida’s manatees. The Oceanaria Reimbursement Assistance Program,
which is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,
works to rescue, rehabilitate and release manatees to support their adult population,
which is key to the survival of the species.
Representative Holly Raschein said, “Governor Scott’s
investment to fund key priorities to improve the infrastructure here in South
Florida - with Everglades restoration and enhancements to the Keys wastewater
system - illustrates his commitment to Florida’s environment.”
Eric
Draper, Executive Director of Audubon Florida said, “Everglades, Florida
Forever and springs restoration are critical priorities for Florida. Governor
Scott’s budget increases funding for these priorities and also renews funding
for Florida Keys wastewater to help protect our reefs.”
Shelly
Lakly, Director of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy said, “We
support the significant investments in water quality that are illustrated in
the proposed budget through increased funding for Everglades restoration and
springs protection projects to prevent further degradation of our estuaries and
springs. With the funding for the Keys wastewater system, the Governor has
followed through on his commitment to protect Florida’s coral reefs and marine
ecosystems, a priority of The Nature Conservancy and important to protecting
the economy and quality of life of the Florida Keys.
Eric
Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation said, “Governor Scott’s budget
recognizes that we must protect the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers and
estuaries, and sharpen our focus on rapidly restoring and protecting America’s
Everglades.”
Sally
Hess, Secretary of the Friends of Florida State Parks said, “The continued support by Governor Scott in his budget will
help protect, sustain and improve accessibility to Florida’s award winning
state parks.”
Greg
Chelius with the Trust for Public Land said, “With this funding, Governor
Scott’s investment will allow for significant opportunities to protect the
state’s natural resources.”
Patrick
Rose, Executive Director of the Save the Manatee Club said, “We applaud
Governor Scott for championing this critical investment in the protection of
our endangered manatees. His strong support will better ensure that manatees
will receive the care they urgently need today and in the future.”
For further details on the Governor’s
recommended “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget”, visit www.FLItsYourMoney.com.
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