FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 9, 2015
CONTACT: Governor's Press Office, 850-717-9282, media@eog.myflorida.com
GOV. SCOTT HIGHLIGHTS $1.6 BILLION TO RESTORE FLORIDA SPRINGS
ORLANDO – Today, Governor Rick Scott highlighted a dedicated source of
revenue that will provide $1.6 billion for Florida springs restoration over the
next 20 years as part of his proposed 2015-2016 “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING”
budget. If passed by the Legislature, $50 million will go toward springs
restoration next year.
Governor Scott said, “Florida’s springs are one of the many
natural treasures that bring families, visitors and job creators to our
state. Over the last two years, we have championed record funding for Florida’s
springs, and we are committed to building on that success
going forward. By making these important investments
now, we will be protecting and restoring our great springs for generations to
come.”
In addition to funds to restore Florida springs, Governor Scott’s
“KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget also proposes a dedicated source of revenue that
will provide more than $5 billion for Everglades restoration over the next 20
years, including $150 million toward Everglades restoration next year. The proposed
budget also includes more than $150 million
for land acquisition and management which will focus in part on protecting land
for the Florida panther.
Jon
Steverson, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
said, “I’m a firm believer that how you spend your money is drives your policy,
and Governor Scott’s budget clearly demonstrates his continued commitment to
the protection of our state’s natural resources. This budget focuses on
projects that will directly benefit the environment and communities of
Florida.”
Charles
Lee, Director of Advocacy for Audubon Florida said, “This $1.6 billion
commitment will assure families and businesses that Florida is committed to
restoring our great springs. I applaud Governor Scott for his continued
commitment to protecting Florida’s natural treasures.”
Robert
Beltran Executive Director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District,
said, “Florida’s springs are environmental treasures and economic drivers for
our state. In the Southwest Florida Water Management District alone there are
more than 150 documented springs providing $46 million in direct economic
impact annually. Governor Scott’s continued investment goes a long way to
restoration and protection of these unique water resources.”
John
Miklos, St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board Chairman,
said, “I’d like to thank Governor Scott on behalf of the St. Johns River Water
Management District Governing Board and our 560 employees for his continued and
historic work to address springs, water quality and water quantity in the St.
Johns District, and in all of the other water management districts. We look
forward to continuing this good work with him, DEP Secretary Steverson and the
Florida Legislature.”
Daniel
O’Keefe, Governing Board Chairman of the South Florida Water Management
District, said, “Protecting Florida’s water resources requires sound science as
well as sound investments. Governor Scott has consistently directed funding to
strategic projects and initiatives that benefit our environment, which in turn
strengthens our state’s economy.”
Don
Quincey, Jr. District Board Chairman of the Suwannee River Water Management,
said, “Through partnerships with local governments and through optimizing
private-public partnerships, Governor Scott is utilizing significant resources
to ensure that our springs and water supplies are protected. We must be good
stewards of the land and waters of our great state, and this funding proposal
highlights the importance of Florida’s natural resources.”
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