News Update
DeSantis requests recurring funds for 'Glades restoration, seeks increased fines for environmental crimes
Staff report
Enviro-Net
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis requested $625 million in recurring funding from the Florida Legislature for the next three years for Everglades restoration and protection of Florida’s water resources.
This funding would meet the $2.5 billion goal outlined in his Bold Vision for a Brighter Future budget.
The governor also announced support for legislation to increase fines for environmental crimes by 50 percent across the board. The legislation would also empower the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to assess daily fines until the environmental harm has been remedied or a plan has been developed in partnership with DEP to address the issue.
His request includes at least $300M for Everglades Restoration and the EAA reservoir project; $50M for springs restoration; $50M for total maximum daily load projects; $15M for projects within the St. Johns River, Suwannee River and Apalachicola River watersheds; and $10M for coral reef protection and restoration.
The remainder of the $625 million would be appropriated for other water quality, alternative water supply and water conservation projects including innovative technologies for nutrient reduction and harmful algal bloom prevention and mitigation.