WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Earlier Today, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his commitment to approving $1.5 billion included in the Fiscal Year 2024 – 25 budget passed by the Florida Legislature to support Everglades restoration and water quality improvements. The funding also includes $100 million for the second phase of the C-51 Reservoir, which will support the water needs of Palm Beach and Broward counties while also reducing freshwater discharges to the Lake Worth Lagoon.
According to a release from the governor’s office, the funding will bring the state government’s total investment in Everglades restoration and water quality improvements to a record-breaking $6.5 billion since DeSantis took office in 2019.
“I am proud to continue making these investments in Everglades restoration and water quality that will benefit our state for decades to come,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “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.”
Approximately $850 million of the $1.5 billion will go towards Everglades restoration projects, including $614 million to support the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir. The $840 million appropriation marks the largest state investment in a single year since CERP was established in 2000.
“Governor DeSantis demonstrates year in and year out that leadership matters for Florida’s environment,” said Florida’s Chief Resilience Officer Dr. Wes Brooks. “Florida’s investments in restoration and the Governor’s tireless resolve continue to turn the tide on decades of neglect imposed on the Everglades and our coastal waters. These wetland and marine ecosystems are invaluable for their provision of economic, quality of life, and flood protection benefits, and these last five years of momentum will ensure their enhanced vitality for current and future generations of Floridians.”
Also included in the $1.5 billion investment is approximately
This funding is in addition to funding that was allocated in Senate Bill 1638, signed by the Governor earlier this month. Senate Bill 1638 allocates revenue from the Seminole Gaming Compact, directing 96% of the revenue generated to fund water quality improvement, infrastructure, and the continued conservation of lands. As of February 2024, the revenue share estimates are approximately $750 million per year.
