Florida Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this week outlined his recommendations for water issues in his environmental budget, recommending more than $625 million for Everglades restoration and protection of Florida’s valuable water resources.
By investing $625 million each year, more than $2.5 billion will be invested by the end of Governor DeSantis’ first term.
This would amount to $1 billion more than was invested to protect the water resources in the previous four years, according to his official announcement.
“This historic budget proposal will have a substantial impact on the water and quality of life in Florida, ” said Governor DeSantis . “This is not a partisan issue. This is something that Floridians from all walks of life and political persuasions think needs to be done. I look forward to working with the Legislature on bringing this into fruition and getting the job done for the people of this state.”
$360 Million for Everglades Restoration
The budget includes a record $360 million for Everglades restoration projects, a level of funding which will put Florida on track to complete the C-44 Reservoir and stormwater treatment area, the C-43 Reservoir, and 20 additional projects over the next five years.
These projects will provide 672,000 acre-feet of storage and remove almost 200,000 pounds of total phosphorus annually, a major source of nutrient pollution.
In addition, these projects will significantly reduce discharges from Lake Okeechobee when combined with updates to the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule, as requested by Governor DeSantis in his January 4th letter to the President.
The EAA Reservoir project will receive $107 million: $43 million above the annual $64 million to ensure that they are moving forward with the projects needed to move water south.