On Tuesday, state Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, and state Rep. Thad Altman, R-Indian Harbour Beach, offered a proposal to have $100 million appropriated to Florida Forever, moving the funds from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund (LATF).
“Florida Forever is the largest public land acquisition program of its kind in the United States and with more than 869,477 acres of land purchased, the bill would provide the funding to maintain this extensive program. Florida Forever encompasses an immense range of goals encompassing water resource development and supply, increased public access, public lands management and maintenance, and increased protection of land by acquisition of conservation easements,” Stewart’s office noted.
Both legislators insisted their proposal would help as the Sunshine State continued to grow.
“It is time that the legislature honors the will of Floridians and establishes recurring funds for the purpose of conservation. While Florida continues to grow, we must be mindful of the need to preserve the state’s environment for the wellbeing and enjoyment of future generations,” said Stewart.
“With a thousand people moving to Florida every day, we must continue to acquire the necessary lands to meet our state’s future environmental and recreational needs,” said Altman.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
Author
