Tag: everglades restoration

This week, Florida’s two U.S. senators--Republicans Marco Rubio and Rick Scott--wrote to Michael Connor, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, prior to the Army Corps Engineers finalizing their supplemental work...

“In Florida, we are doing our part to expedite Everglades restoration projects and restore the flow of water south from Lake Okeechobee. Under my administration, we have expedited the EAA Reservoir Project, begun constructing the Stormwater Treatment Area 12 months ahead of schedule, and invested over $2 billion in water quality and Everglades funding,” said DeSantis.

With solid Republican majorities in both chambers, Gov. Ron DeSantis, state House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, and state Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, should not face many challenges from the Democrats. But there will be problems in the days to come, especially as DeSantis pushes a $96.6 proposed budget which includes $625 million for Everglades restoration and a new “Resilient Florida” program to deal with climate change with $1 billion in bonds over the next four years. 

In recent weeks, members of the Florida delegation urge Trump to include $250 million in funding for Everglades restoration in his FY2021 budget request. This request comes after last year’s Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, which included $200 million for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration.

This request comes on the heels of Trump signing into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, which included a historic $200 million for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration.

“We fought tooth and nail last year to secure a historic increase in funding for Everglades restoration. Now it’s time to build on that momentum and continue doing everything we can to protect our ecosystems and stop harmful discharges,” Mast said on Wednesday.

“The First Lady and I appreciate the support we have received over the past year. Every day, I wake up grateful for the opportunity to go to work on behalf of Floridians. While we can reflect and be proud of these accomplishments, there is always more that can be done."

On Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis offered his “Bolder, Brighter, Better Future” budget proposal. DeSantis proposed a $91.4 billion budget, up slightly from last year’s $90.9 billion budget.

On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis continued his focus on Everglades restoration, visiting the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) site and activating the pumps to fill the manmade wetland with water. 

With help from Florida’s two U.S. senators, the FY2020 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill and the FY2020 Department of Defense Appropriations bill cleared the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee with $200 million for Everglades restoration and funds to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis doubled down on his commitment to the Everglades and water across the Sunshine State this week, calling for three years funding from the Legislature.

“The signing of the ‘Bold Vision for a Brighter Future’ budget marked a new day for Florida, one where our environment is the priority,” said DeSantis. “I thank the Florida Legislature for their strong support and for exceeding my request of $625 million in funding, including more than $400 million for our Everglades – the highest amount ever.