WEST PALM BEACH, Fla — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that he planned to approve $1.5 billion in funding earmarked for Everglades restoration.
That funding was approved by the state Legislature in the budget for Fiscal Year 2024.
What You Need To Know
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that he would approve $1.5 billion in funding for water projects and Everglades conservation
- The funding was included in this year's state budget
- The governor's office said part of the funds will make up the largest single-year investment in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan
Of the funding, $850 million will go to general Everglades restoration projects, with $614 million of those funds going to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and the Everglades Agricultural Reservoir.
The governor’s office notes that this is the largest single-year investment in CERP since the program was established in 2000.
Other funds will go towards targeted water quality improvement projects ($530 million), and money for the C-51 Reservoir. ($100 million).
“I am proud to continue making these investments in Everglades restoration and water quality that will benefit our state for decades to come,” DeSantis said. “I made a promise to Floridians that we would leave this state better to God than we found it, and we are doing that for our future and our children’s future.”
Governor DeSantis Announces Investments for Everglades Restoration and Water Quality Improvements https://t.co/6lDIpMPHDj
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 22, 2024
The $1.5 billion is in addition to funding allocated in Senate Bill 1638, which earmarks Seminole Gaming Compact revenue for water quality improvement, infrastructure improvements, and continued land conservation.