On Wednesday, the Legislative Budget Commission approved the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) proposed $69 million in springs projects leveraged by the $30 million Governor Scott secured in the "It's Your Money Tax Cut Budget" to bring the total invested in springs projects to more than $100 million in the last two years.
Four springs in the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will see the benefit of this project plan, including Aripeka, Chassahowitzka, Crystal and Panasofkee.
"We applaud the Governor and Legislature's commitment and vision in protecting and restoring our springs," said Michael Babb, District Chairman. "The District has identified improving the northern coastal springs systems as one of our regional priorities in our Strategic Plan, and has committed more than $5 million dollars in its tentative budget for springs this coming year to be leveraged with state and local funds."
The objective of the project plan is to effectively address water quality and water quantity by supporting both urban and agricultural projects across the state in geographic regions of the state where springs occur in the natural landscape. The projects were selected based on pollutant reduction, water quantity conservation, cost effectiveness and available matching grant funding.
The project plan is a collaborative effort with DEP, water management districts, community leaders and local stakeholders, and the contributions and cooperation of these agencies and individuals have been crucial throughout the development process. Combining efforts and resources from various agencies across Florida allows for more efficient and comprehensive water restoration.
Four springs in the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will see the benefit of this project plan, including Aripeka, Chassahowitzka, Crystal and Panasofkee.
"We applaud the Governor and Legislature's commitment and vision in protecting and restoring our springs," said Michael Babb, District Chairman. "The District has identified improving the northern coastal springs systems as one of our regional priorities in our Strategic Plan, and has committed more than $5 million dollars in its tentative budget for springs this coming year to be leveraged with state and local funds."
The objective of the project plan is to effectively address water quality and water quantity by supporting both urban and agricultural projects across the state in geographic regions of the state where springs occur in the natural landscape. The projects were selected based on pollutant reduction, water quantity conservation, cost effectiveness and available matching grant funding.
The project plan is a collaborative effort with DEP, water management districts, community leaders and local stakeholders, and the contributions and cooperation of these agencies and individuals have been crucial throughout the development process. Combining efforts and resources from various agencies across Florida allows for more efficient and comprehensive water restoration.