FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 28, 2015
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Scott
today recommended nearly $1.6 billion in funding dedicated to the protection
and preservation of Florida’s natural and water resources. The Governor’s “KEEP
FLORIDA WORKING” budget includes funding dedicated to key environmental
projects, such as $150 million for
Everglades restoration, $50 million for springs protection and improvements, more
than $150 million for the acquisition and management of conservation lands, and
$50 million for water supply development projects.
Governor Scott said, “Florida has an
abundance of natural resources that help create a foundation for our growing
economy, whether it is driving our state’s tourism industry or providing a
great quality of life that has attracted families to our state for generations.
During my first term, we made historic investments in our springs and
Everglades and I am proud to continue to make important investments in our
environment this year. We will keep working to make sure we preserve our
natural treasures so Florida can continue to be a top destination for families,
visitors and businesses.”
The Governor’s proposed budget creates
a dedicated source of revenue for Everglades restoration that will provide
nearly $670 million over the next four years and more than $5 billion over the
next 20 years. In addition, a dedicated source of
funding will provide more than $220 million over the next four years and $1.7
billion over the next 20 years to ensure the continued protection of Florida’s
springs. The budget also proposes a 10-year, $500 million program to ensure
Florida’s water supply remains adequate to support a growing economy while
still ensuring the environment is protected.
“Governor Scott’s proposed budget
reflects his continued commitment to protecting the natural resources that
greatly impact Florida’s economy and quality of life,” said Florida Department
of Environmental Protection Secretary Jon Steverson. “I look forward to working
under his leadership to focus on completing projects that offer direct benefits
to the natural resources and communities of Florida.”
“Governor
Scott’s recommended budget recognizes the importance of restoring not only
the Everglades, but Florida's treasured springs and other vital water bodies,”
said Eric Draper, executive director of Audubon Florida. “We applaud his
continued commitment to the protection of Florida's environment."
The
Governor is recommending the following proposals to help Florida’s environment:
$150
million for Everglades Restoration
In 2011, the Governor proposed his
Everglades Restoration Strategies, which provides $32 million annually in state
funding to improve water quality and move more water south, reestablishing a more
natural flow through the Everglades. The
“KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget builds upon this recurring funding by providing $150
million in Fiscal Year 2015-2016 for projects vital to the protection of the
Everglades and associated South Florida estuaries, including construction of
the C-43 and C-44 reservoirs.
$150
million for Land Acquisition and Management
Governor Scott’s recommendation includes
$150 million dedicated to land acquisition and management, so that the state
can continue to conserve natural and historic resources, as well as effectively
manage and protect lands already under state ownership for future generations
to enjoy. This funding will focus in part on protecting land for the Florida
panther.
The budget includes $100 million to
support land acquisition through the Florida Forever program, $20 million to
restore the Kissimmee River and $30 million for additional management dollars
to ensure the land already owned by the state is properly cared for.
“We applaud Governor Scott for taking
this critical step toward increasing land management funding. This increase
will allow for enhanced prescribed fire and invasive plant management necessary
to ensure the health of Florida’s conservation
lands for iconic Florida species, such as panther and scrub jay and to
enhance public recreation,” said Temperince Morgan, executive director of the
Nature Conservancy in Florida.
$50
million for Springs Protection and Restoration
The “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget
includes $50 million for springs restoration projects, building on the historic
funding provided by the Governor’s administration over the past two years. In
partnership with Florida’s water management districts, local governments and
other stakeholders, the $40 million directed to springs protection over the
past two years has leveraged more than $100 million in springs restoration and
improvement projects throughout the state.
$100
million for Water Supply Development and Keys Wastewater Treatment
Governor Scott is working to ensure
Florida’s natural resources, communities and growing economy all enjoy a
sustainable supply of water. The “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget includes $50
million and will kick-off a 10-year, $500 million program to provide more than
250 million gallons of water a day to Floridians.
This also includes funding for regional alternative
water supply development and for small, economically-challenged communities who
need additional help to ensure the needs of their residents and natural
resources are being met.
The Governor’s recommended budget includes
$50 million for improving wastewater treatment in the Florida Keys, which will build upon the
$100 million previously invested during the past four years. These improvements
will protect water quality in the Keys, ultimately protecting South Florida’s
reefs and waters.
“Florida has now surpassed New York as
the third most populous state in the nation and as such, we need smart
solutions to meet the needs of Florida’s families and small businesses,” said
David Hart, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
“Governor Scott’s budget recommendations will continue to move Florida in the
right direction. Ensuring our state has the necessary resources to stay
competitive is vital to helping Florida’s economy grow.”
"Monroe
County commends Governor Scott for his continued environmental commitment to
the Florida Keys with his recommendation of $50 million in funding to help
implement measures vital to the protection of our nearshore and National Marine
Sanctuary waters, and in doing so, helping to preserve the Florida Keys as a
unique environmental treasure and a valuable economic engine," said Monroe
County Mayor Danny Kolhage.
$25
Million for Beach Renourishment
The “KEEP
FLORIDA WORKING” budget also includes $25 million for projects to protect,
preserve and restore Florida’s famous beaches and dune systems. Beach projects
include:
- $1,100,911 for Venice Beach Nourishment/ Sarasota County
Shore Protection
- $726,848 for Duval County Shore Protection Project
- $10,520,990 for Walton County Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction
Project
- $100,000 for Ft. Pierce Shore Protection Project
- $39,262 for Brevard County Shore Protection Project/ North &
South Reaches
- $496,486 for Broward County Shore
- $60,000 for Blind Pass Ecozone Restoration in Lee County
- $117,630 for South Amelia Island Beach Nourishment
- $4,566,500 for Upham Beach Groin Replacement
- $1,598,463 for Longboat Key Beach Nourishment (funds will be
divided with inlet project)
- $2,684,976 for Statewide Post-Construction Monitoring
- $160,500 for Port Canaveral Inlet Management Plan (IMP) Implementation
- $46,500 for Lake Worth IMP Implementation
-
$4,963,900 for Longboat Pass IMP Implementation (funds will be
divided with beach restoration project)
$19 million for Florida State Parks Repairs,
Renovations and Development
Florida is the only state that has been
awarded three National Gold Medals for Excellence by the National Recreation
and Park Association, and the funding recommended in the “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING”
budget will help this award-winning system continue to improve. Along with
repairs and renovations, the budget also includes funding for ADA access
improvements so all Floridians and visitors are able to enjoy the natural
treasures of Florida’s 161 State Parks.
“This funding will help Florida State
Parks continue to protect some of our state’s most beautiful natural and
cultural resources for millions of visitors to enjoy each year,” said Don
Philpott, president of Friends of Florida State Parks.
For more information on Governor Scott’s
“Keep Florida Working” budget, please visit http://www.keepfloridaworking.com/.
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