$638 Million for Everglades Restoration
Tallahassee, Fla. – The Everglades Trust (Trust) released the following statement, attributed to its CEO Anna Upton, regarding the Florida Legislature crafting and passing a budget for fiscal year 2026-27 that has $638 million for Everglades restoration, including the funding needed to complete the district’s portion of the EAA Reservoir, the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Everglades restoration.
“Governor Ron DeSantis has been a true champion for Everglades restoration, and we sincerely appreciate the Florida Legislature understanding how vital Everglades restoration is to our state and Floridians and passing a state budget that includes $638 million for protecting and restoring the Everglades.
“Thank you to our state leaders – especially Senate President Ben Albritton along with House Speaker Daniel Perez – and our appropriations chairs in the Senate and House for a budget that will continue to accelerate the process to create a healthy and restored Everglades. A restored Everglades means less harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee, more clean water for Floridians, and a more natural flow of water south through the Everglades and all the way to Florida Bay, all of which contribute to and support a strong and thriving state economy.
“Floridians can be proud of the budget passed by the legislature. It’s a budget that continues to push forward Everglades restoration, funding the most important project of restoration, and works to preserve one of the most cherished parts of our state, America’s Everglades.”
