As special session talks heat up in the Capitol, Senator Thad Altman just revealed that the revitalization of the Indian River Lagoon remains his top legislative priority, in addition to the restoration of the Florida Everglades.
The Senate’s proposed budget allocates $37 million for Florida Forever, the state’s land acquisition program, which was contested by Altman who filed an amendment during the 2015 session to fully fund the program.
The state senator to the Space and Treasure Coasts has long been a champion of the Indian River Lagoon. During the 2014 legislative session he secured $10 million for the dredging of the northern lagoon, alongside an additional $10 million for dredging the Eau Gallie River to aid in the restoration of this unique natural resource.
He is currently fighting to secure an additional $20 million for these projects.
Senator Altman continues to advocate to secure funds for the Indian River Lagoon saying, “ the removal of latent muck in the system is critical to the lagoon’s health. ”
Nutrients and pollutants in muck generate algae blooms that damage sea grasses and other marine life, which are essential to the health of the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem.