At an event in Naples on Monday, Gov. Rick Scott proposed including more than $1.7 billion for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the 2018-2019 budget he is assembling.
The governor weighed in on his proposal which sends an additional $220 million to the Department of Environmental Protection than the current budget.
“People from across the world come to Florida because of our state’s beautiful natural treasures,” Scott said on Monday. “Over the past seven years, we have made historic strides to protect Florida’s lands, invest record funding in the Everglades and Florida’s springs, and preserve our beloved beaches. To make sure our state remains beautiful for generations to come, I am proud to announce today that my recommended budget will include $1.7 billion to protect and preserve Florida’s environment.”
Scott proposed sending $355 million for Everglades restoration while $100 million is penciled in for beaches across the Sunshine State. The governor is also calling for $55 million for protecting springs across Florida and $50 million for state parks. Scott also proposed an additional $50 million for Florida Forever.
“This funding includes historic investments in our iconic springs, world-renowned Everglades, award-winning state parks and beautiful beaches, which is especially important following impacts by Hurricane Irma,” Scott said. “I am also proud to be recommending $100 million to preserve and protect our natural lands, including $50 million for Florida Forever. Our natural treasures are so important to Florida’s economy and tourism industry and the many families that rely on them. I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session on these strategic investments to help preserve our environment for Florida’s children, future residents and visitors.”
Scott is continuing to unveil parts of the part as the Legislature gets ready to head back to Tallahassee in January. Facing term limits in 2018, Scott is expected to challenge U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., next year.
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is running for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, jabbed Scott on the environment on Monday.
“Today’s announcement is more of the same from Governor Scott, a true ‘Election Year Environmentalist.’ He promised that he’d request $150 million for Florida Forever each year in his second term -- and we’re on year number seven of his administration and he’s now promising only $50 million,” Gillum said. “The governor is most prone to act on issues like this when he’s about to see his name on the ballot, and this is no different. Delivering one-third of a promise is not a promise kept.”
Scott's team said the governor kept his promsie.
"Governor Scott has kept his commitment of recommending $150 million per year for land acquisition and management,” said Lauren Schenone, a spokeswoman for the governor. “More details on his budget will be announced in the coming weeks."
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