Gov. Rick Scott, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Water Management Districts announced Monday that more than $40 million from the budget signed during the summer will go to 26 springs projects across the state. These projects will also bring in almost $42 million through matching funds.
The governor pointed toward the economic impact of the springs, pointing to the state’s record high tourism numbers.
“Florida’s 900 freshwater springs bring families, visitors and job creators to our state,” Scott said Monday. “Over the last three years, we have invested record funding for Florida’s springs, and the projects we are announcing today will ensure our springs are protected for future generations to enjoy.”
“I would like to thank Gov. Scott and the Florida Legislature for providing record funding for springs restoration, and for securing the recurring funding that will allow us to continue to protect springs in the future,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “Combining efforts and resources with local governments, stakeholders and the water management districts enables us to take a more comprehensive and efficient approach to springs protection.”
Almost $20.5 million will go to springs projects under the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s umbrella. This will be used at projects for Homosassa, Kings Bay, Rainbow and Weeki Wachee Springs.
More than $31.3 million is headed to eight projects from the St. Johns River Water Management District. Silver Springs, Volusia Blue Springs and Wekiva River will all get funds for projects.
The Suwannee River Water Management District will pull in more than $13 million for seven projects, including ones at Convict, Ravine, Fanning and Hornsby springs and Ichetucknee, Santa Fe and Suwannee rivers and springs.
Almost $18 million will go to six projects handled by the Northwest Florida Water Management District. This money will go to projects at Gainer Spring, Jackson Blue Spring and Wakulla Springs.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
