Governor Scott Highlights Importance of Investing in Environmental Programs

Florida Governor Rick Scott announced yesterday that he will propose more than $1.7 billion to protect Florida’s environment as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget.

This $1.7 billion funding for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is a more than $220 million increase over the current year.

Governor Scott said: “People from across the world come to Florida because of our state’s beautiful natural treasures. 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.”

The proposed funding will include:

• $100 million for Florida’s beaches;
• $355 million for Everglades restoration, etc.

This funding includes historic investments in Florida’s iconic springs, world-renowned Everglades, award-winning state parks and beautiful beaches, which is especially important following impacts by Hurricane Irma, added the governor.

Additional environmental funding will be included in the governor’s recommended 2018-2019 budget.