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Governor Rick Scott Commits $5 billion over 20 Years to Everglades Restoration

Statement from Audubon's Eric Draper on today's announcement.

Governor Rick Scott visited the Everglades today to announce a funding proposal for the Everglades and for state land acquisition and management. The Governor was joined at the podium by Audubon Florida Executive Director Eric Draper, among others. 

Governor Scott’s announcement proposed $150 million for the Everglades and $150 million for land acquisition and increased land management. Also included in the Governor's proposal was a plan to reserve a quarter of Amendment 1 funds for Everglades restoration over twenty years

At the podium, Eric Draper welcomed Governor Scott’s commitment of $5 billion for the Everglades and said, “This ensures that there will be enough money to finish restoring the Everglades.” 

Past legislative appropriations have been inconsistent. The South Florida Water Management District projects that the remaining projects needed to complete Everglades restoration will total about $500 million.

Governor Scott also called for efforts to plan new water storage to help the Everglades.    

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