FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 14, 2017
Gov. Scott's Securing Florida's Future Budget Includes
Historic Investment to Protect Florida's Environment
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor
Rick Scott’s Securing Florida's Future budget recommends more than $1.7 billion
to protect and enhance Florida’s environment - a more than $220 million
increase over the current year. The Securing Florida's budget builds on the key
investments made by Governor Scott in Florida’s environment over the past seven
years, including Everglades restoration, springs protection, beach and
shoreline restoration and renourishment, and the management and enhancement of
some of Florida's most prized natural treasures, including Florida State Parks.
Governor Scott said, “Florida's beautiful outdoors enhance our
communities and attract billions of visitors each year. From our white sandy
beaches to our sparkling springs and world-renowned state park system,
Florida's outstanding natural treasures are vital to our economy and are what
makes Florida the most beautiful state in the nation. These investments are
especially important for restoring our world-class beaches following the
impacts of Hurricane Irma. As Governor, I've invested record funding into environmental
protection, and I'm proud to propose $1.7 billion to protect and preserve
Florida's environment for future generations."
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein
said, "Florida is home to some of the most beautiful natural resources in
the world, and Governor Scott has shown a true commitment to protecting them
over the past seven years. I commend Governor Scott for continuing to make the
protection of these resources a priority with his budget proposal. The Securing
Florida's budget will allow DEP to continue to make real progress safeguarding
our environment through partnerships and projects.”
Governor Scott’s 2018-19 budget recommendations include:
$355 million for Everglades restoration –
Surpassing last year's historic investment of $225 million, Governor Scott is
recommending a record investment of $355 million for Everglades restoration.
This funding will support projects that are vital to improving water quality
and increasing water storage throughout the iconic Everglades ecosystem. This
includes $105 million for the C-43 Reservoir, which will provide 55 billion
gallons of water storage when complete, as well as $4 million for land
acquisitions for key Everglades restoration projects moving forward.
This also includes $50 million to expedite repairs to the federal
Herbert Hoover Dike, which is vital to protecting communities surrounding Lake
Okeechobee, as well as the natural and water resources within the greater
Everglades ecosystem. Last year, Governor Scott championed $50 million in
funding to kick-start critical repairs to the Dike, which was the first time
Florida has invested state funding into this critical federal project.
Record $100 million for beach restoration and renourishment – Governor
Scott is recommending a record $100 million investment in beach restoration –
the highest ever level of funding for beach restoration. This includes $50
million for statewide beach renourishment, beach and dune restoration among
other coastal restoration projects, and $50 million toward the state's share of
beach restoration to repair damages resulting from Hurricane Irma.
The budget also includes $3.6 million for the Florida Resilient
Coastline Initiative for additional coral reef protection, and will allow DEP
to assist local governments with sea level rise planning and coastal resilience
projects.
Record $55 million for springs restoration and protection projects –
Continuing his legacy of making historic investments in the restoration and
protection of Florida's springs, Governor Scott's is recommending a record $55
million for springs restoration. This funding will be used to fund projects
vital to improving water quality and protecting water supply. Since 2011, Florida has invested records
amounts into springs protections which has funded more than 140 projects to
protect Florida's springs.
Record $50 million for Florida State Parks – On top
of Florida State Parks operating budget, Governor Scott is proposing $50
million for facility improvements for Florida's award-winning state park system,
which welcomed 32 million visitors last year. Governor Scott is also proposing
an additional $4 million to improve ADA accessibility, making parks more
accessible to all visitors, and $750,000 to partner with organizations to
further the success of the Florida State Park System.
In 2013, under the Governor's leadership, Florida's State Park System
won its third national Gold Medal for Excellence in Park and Recreation
Management – no other state has won twice. This record investment demonstrates
the Governor's commitment to continuing to improve and protect Florida's parks,
greenways and trails for future generations of enjoyment, while also helping
Florida win an unprecedented fourth Gold Medal.
$50 million for Florida Forever – Governor Scott is proposing $50 million for
Florida Forever for the acquisition of rare and sensitive lands, including
greenways and trails. By making strategic acquisitions, Governor Scott is
working to ensure these prized properties are preserved and protected for
future generations. Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget includes
more than $172 million for land acquisition and management.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Eric Eikenberg, CEO of the Everglades Foundation, said,
“Governor Scott's environmental budget recommendation includes significant
funding for America’s Everglades. This includes expediting key features of the
Central Everglades Plan and getting to work on storage south of Lake
Okeechobee. We thank the Governor for this bold Everglades budget and we look
forward to working with Senate and House members to make it happen.”
Deborah Flack, president of the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation
Association, said, “Governor Scott’s commitment to healthy beaches continues, fully
recognizing their economic importance to Florida. $50 million for the
traditional statewide program reflects an appreciation for the outstanding
performance of existing beach management projects following Hurricane Irma in
protecting upland structures and reducing coastal flooding. They worked
outstandingly, and we are going to need them again. The additional funding for
storm damage recovery for our beaches and dunes demonstrates the Governor’s
recognition that critically-eroded beaches not part of any existing solution
must be brought into the statewide program. Our coastal communities and local
government partners are most appreciative of the Governor’s budgetary
commitment to sustaining Florida’s beaches.”
Temperince Morgan, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in
Florida, said, “Governor Scott's proposed budget will support critical
restoration and protection projects for some of Florida's most precious
resources, including springs and our award-winning state parks.”
Paula Russo, president of Friends of Florida State Parks, said,
“We're pleased that the Governor's budget includes a historic investment in
Florida's nationally-recognized state park system. Florida State Parks are
beloved by residents and visitors alike, and Governor Scott's budget ensures
these resources will be preserved and available for generations to come.”
Duane De Freese, Ph.D., executive director of the IRL Council & Indian
River Lagoon National Estuary Program, said, “This is a historic commitment by
Governor Scott to Everglades restoration, water infrastructure projects, and
surface water quality improvements for Florida. All are essential to restore
the health of the Indian River Lagoon.”
David C. Jones, president of Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, said, “We
commend the Governor for his continued support of accessibility improvements in
our state parks so that more individuals will be able to enjoy their beauty and
recreational opportunities.”
South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Chairman Dan
O'Keefe said, “Governor Scott’s proposal for a record $355 million for
Everglades restoration in next year’s environmental budget clearly demonstrates
his commitment to completing projects that will provide immediate benefits for
South Florida’s ecosystems. This infusion of funding would enable the South
Florida Water Management District to make significant progress on providing
needed clean water for the Everglades while protecting this region’s vital
coastal estuaries.”
Brian Armstrong, executive director of the Southwest Florida Water
Management District, said, “We applaud the Governor’s commitment to
Florida’s springs. This vital funding will allow our springs experts to
continue working to protect these important natural systems within our
District.”
Dr. Ann Shortelle, executive director of the St. John River Water
Management District, said, “It’s this type of commitment and
leadership by Gov. Scott that allows us to continue working to protect and
restore our vital natural resources in Florida. An investment of $55 million in
Florida’s springs and $50 million in Florida Forever sends a clear message that
the environment is a priority for this administration.”
Hugh Thomas, executive director of the Suwannee River Water Management
District, said, “The Suwannee River Valley is a treasure trove of springs, wild
and scenic rivers, and pristine shorelines that we work diligently to protect.
Governor Scott’s paramount investment in Florida’s natural resources is a
powerful promise to the current residents and future generations of our
spectacular state.”
Brett Cyphers, executive director of the Northwest Florida Water
Management District, said, “We are grateful for the continued vision
and leadership shown by Governor Scott. The environmental resources of this
region are our hallmark. This continued support for the protection and
restoration of our springs, beaches and our award-winning state parks will
ensure the health and well-being of our residents, economy and environment.”
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